Manama, Mar. 26 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Cabinet's approval of the Kingdom of Bahrain's official candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026-2027.

The minister said this would enhance Bahrain's role as an effective international partner in establishing security, peace, coexistence, supporting sustainable development goals, and serving humanity. He noted that this approach is firmly established under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Dr. Al Zayani highlighted that Bahrain's candidacy for this international position embodies the royal vision and the government's directions led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and aims to consolidate international partnerships for regional and global peace and prosperity. He added that the Kingdom seeks to strengthen human solidarity and to support the establishment and development of international relations on foundations of cordiality, understanding, respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in their affairs. Additionally, Bahrain considers common development interests and commits to international law and the UN Charter.

The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to Arab and Islamic countries, and the Asia-Pacific group for their supportive positions towards the Kingdom of Bahrain and their endorsement of its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. This will be the second time in its history, following the period from 1998 to 1999. He also extended his gratitude to other countries and blocs for their confidence in Bahraini diplomacy and its balanced principles.

The Minister highlighted Bahrain's rich civilisational heritage, noble human and civilisational values, and creative abilities to adapt and face challenges, which contributed to the approach of Bahraini diplomacy.

The minister said the Kingdom looked forward to activating the role of the international community in consolidating solidarity and prosperity and maintaining international peace and security through its potential membership. He indicated that Bahrain has several priorities at the forefront, including establishing sustainable peace and dialogue in conflict resolution, enhancing humanitarian action in relief for those affected by disasters and crises, combating extremism and terrorism, and ensuring cyber, environmental, food, water, and maritime security. The Kingdom also aims to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral international cooperation under the UN and raise confidence in the Security Council's performance of its duties with transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness.

The minister emphasised Bahrain's commitment to continue its diplomatic contributions in establishing values of tolerance, coexistence, and civilisational dialogue. This is in accordance with the principles of the Bahrain Declaration on religious freedoms. The Kingdom has also launched initiatives such as the "King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence" which led to the UN’s adoption of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.

Following His Majesty the King's call before the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Bahrain supports approving an international convention criminalizing religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. The Kingdom works to spread a culture of peace, understanding, and acceptance of others and enhance the ties between nations.

Dr. Al Zayani that Bahrain, through its active membership in the UN for more than five decades, its aspiration for Security Council membership, and its current presidency of the Council of the League of Arab States, will continue its efforts to implement His Majesty the King's initiatives. These initiatives include holding an international conference for peace in the Middle East, which aims to mobilise full recognition of the State of Palestine and accepting its membership in the UN; providing educational and health services to those affected by conflicts; developing Arab and international cooperation in the field of financial technology and digital transformation; and supporting sustainable development goals and the principles and purposes of the Future Charter.

Dr. Al Zayani emphasised that the Kingdom, under the foreign policy approach led by His Majesty the King and follow-up of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with the efforts of "Team Bahrain", is determined to enhance its key role in its regional and international surroundings. He said that Bahrain aims to be beacon of coexistence, peace, and tolerance, civilisational openness, respect for human rights, and upholding the values of cohesion, dialogue, understanding, and responsible collective action. He added that this is all part of working towards a safe and prosperous region and a better future for humanity in a more stable, peaceful, just, solidary, and prosperous world.

A.S, N.N, A.A.M