Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain Engages in Critical Discussions at Extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit.

Riyadh: Assigned by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, participated in the Extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit. The summit was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. It convened leaders from Gulf, Arab, and Islamic states, along with crown princes, prime ministers, and delegation heads, to address the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestinian and Lebanese territories and discuss current developments and their impact on the region. According to Bahrain News Agency, representing His Majesty the King, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah delivered Bahrain's address at the summit. The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed greetings from King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman, expressing hopes for the summit's success. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in Arab and Islamic matters and its co mmitment to regional peace and stability. Shaikh Khalid expressed Bahrain's support for the Saudi initiative to establish a "Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" in collaboration with Norway and the European Union. Highlighting the grave situation in Gaza and Lebanon, Shaikh Khalid emphasized the urgent need for international intervention. He called for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian aid, urging the international community to uphold humanitarian and legal responsibilities. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Bahrain's commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue for regional security. Shaikh Khalid outlined Bahrain's expectations from the international community, including the active response to Bahrain's initiative for an international peace conference, supporting Palestinian self-determination, and the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Southern Lebanon, the release of hostages, and the opening of humanitarian corridors. Further, Shaikh Khalid advocated for the de-escalation of military tensions, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon, and the upholding of the Taif Agreement. He urged strengthening of UN's peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, supporting UNRWA and UNIFIL, and establishing a UN peacekeeping mission in Gaza until a two-state solution is realized. In conclusion, Shaikh Khalid thanked Saudi Arabia for organizing the summit, underscoring the shared commitment to sustainable peace solutions for the Palestinian cause and other regional conflicts. He emphasized the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid and fostering international cooperation for regional stability and prosperity.