Vienna: A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by Brigadier Samir Ahmed Al Zayani, First Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on the Prohibition of Weapons of Mass Destruction and a representative of the Bahrain Defence Force, participated in the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna from September 15-19. The Bahraini delegation also included Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Supreme Council for Environment.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Brigadier Al Zayani delivered Bahrain's statement, where he congratulated Ambassador Peter Burian of the Slovak Republic on his election as conference president and acknowledged the efforts of the previous president. He expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for Director General Rafael Grossi's leadership and the Agency's achievements as outlined in the annual report. He emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue and shared responsibility in addressing nuclear weapons proliferation, reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to international agreements such as the UN Charter and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The head of the delegation reiterated Bahrain's call for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass destruction. He urged that regional nuclear facilities be subject to comprehensive international oversight. Al Zayani highlighted the IAEA's role in verification, monitoring, and technical assistance, particularly in education, training, and capacity building for developing countries.
Brigadier Al Zayani also noted Bahrain's interest in expanding international nuclear partnerships, mentioning a cooperation agreement with the United States on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This agreement provides a framework for technical exchange, research, education, and national workforce development. He praised the National Committee's efforts in implementing international treaties and preparing national legislation to ensure the safety and security of radioactive materials.
In his concluding remarks, Al Zayani underlined Bahrain's commitment to advancing collaboration with the IAEA and other states to support security, stability, and sustainable development. He thanked the Agency and international partners for their efforts and wished the conference success.