Accra:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of global connectivity during his participation in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). He underscored the need for safe, open, and protected maritime routes, airspace, and data flows.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bahrain's advocacy for unimpeded maritime and air navigation, emphasizing the necessity of upholding transit passage rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, free from unlawful restrictions. His remarks were made during the conference chaired by Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, attended by leaders and officials from various regional and international organizations.
He expressed concern over recent attacks on Bahrain and other GCC states, as well as Jordan, which he described as violations of sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution principles. Dr. Al Zayani called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, a measure supported by Bahrain and 136 other countries.
Dr. Al Zayani also addressed the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to vessels in Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, which impact global supply chains and energy and food security. He noted the stranding of approximately 1,600 commercial vessels and over 23,000 seafarers. Additionally, he condemned the Houthi missile and drone attacks on various Saudi airports, expressing Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
On the topic of data connectivity, the Minister advocated for international cooperation in governing artificial intelligence, supporting calls for an international treaty to protect AI development while encouraging innovation. Bahrain also supports the expansion of CICA's confidence-building measures to include maritime and air navigation safety.
He concluded by stressing the need for sustainable regional connectivity through a just and comprehensive peace, including resolving the Palestinian issue and establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Dr. Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to the international laws that support global connectivity and prosperity in Asia.