New york: The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the steps taken by the Syrian and Lebanese governments to secure their borders, and called for the continuation of these efforts to address armed groups, combat the smuggling of weapons and narcotics, and prevent any security instability amid the serious escalations witnessed in the region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this came in the statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, during the United Nations Security Council briefing on the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. The session was chaired by Ambassador Tom Barrack, the United States Special Envoy for Syria, in light of the United States' presidency of the Security Council this month. Briefings were also delivered by Mr. Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, who outlined the latest developments.
At the outset of his statement, the Permanent Representative referred to the difficult circumstances facing the Middle East, including the 'unjustified and blatant' Iranian aggression targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, other GCC member states, and Jordan. He emphasized that these actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of good neighborliness. He reiterated Bahrain's call on Iran to immediately cease these hostile acts and to stop utilizing its proxies and affiliated armed militias in the region, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026). He further warned that the continuation of such practices would lead to further escalation and heightened tensions, with potentially serious consequences for regional security and stability.
In this context, the Permanent Representative reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and its rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs. He underscored the importance of enabling the return of refugees, reconstruction and economic recovery, and achieving sustainable development and prosperity for the Syrian people, noting that Syria's security and stability are fundamental to the stability of the region as a whole. He also reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian Arab territory, commending the important role played by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in supporting security and stability and safeguarding civilians in the area.
The Permanent Representative further expressed Bahrain's welcome of the delisting of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from the United Nations sanctions list, considering it an important and necessary step that presents an opportunity to support Syria's political reform process, usher in a new phase focused on economic recovery, development, and investment, and enable Syria to restore its active role regionally and internationally.
He also welcomed the prisoner exchange in Suwayda Governorate between the Syrian government and the group known as the 'National Guard,' which took place under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and commended the role of the United States in facilitating this process. He noted that this step contributes to advancing the Suwayda roadmap and represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen national responsibility among all Syrian parties by prioritizing the country's higher interests, engaging seriously in national reconciliation, consolidating civil peace, and rejecting sectarianism and division.
The Permanent Representative welcomed the outcomes of the visit of the Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Damascus in February, stressing the importance of continued UN engagement in supporting the new Syrian government. He also commended the role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the humanitarian efforts of UN agencies in assisting affected populations and displaced persons, and in facilitating the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
In conclusion, the Permanent Representative expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the efforts of the Syrian Arab Republic in reconstruction, recovery, and development, and in building a better future for the country, contributing to progress, prosperity, and well-being for the Syrian people.