Manama, Nov. 22 (BNA): The 15th edition of the Manama Dialogue, the premier specialised security summit in Middle East, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), will kick off here today, in the presence of prominent political, defence and security decision-makers and experts from the region and the world.

This year's summit is held in the midst of multiple new developments in the region that require senior strategists and officials in the Middle East and the world to study and agree on the most appropriate means of cooperation to address them, especially as the sources of the threats have become more diverse and comprehensive, and taken more severe forms than before, which implies that more teamwork and coordination are necessary to reduce their effects.

The three-day prestigious summit will provide a platform for ministers, diplomats and intellectuals to discuss key issues of great importance to the regional and global security and stability.

The sessions will focus on “The New Geo-Economics of the Middle East”, “Regional Competition and Cooperation”, “Defence Diplomacy and Regional Stability”, “Maritime Security in the Middle East”, “Managing Conflict and Stabilisation in the Middle East”, “US Policy and Alliance Relations in the Middle East”, “Cybersecurity: Global and Regional Challenges”, “International Law and Security in the Middle East”, “Greyzone Warfare and Asymmetric Threats in the Middle East”, “Conflict and Stabilisation in the Middle East” and “Navigating Geopolitical Change: The Middle East in the Global Context”.

The key regional summit places Bahrain among countries that are capable of hosting meetings that address the security and strategic issues and resolve conflicts.

Held just weeks after the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC 2019), the 15th IISS Manama Dialogue proves the kingdom’s ability to host and organise important political and security gatherings of great importance to the region and the world.

WHQ