Manama: 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.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister stated that this move would enhance Bahrain’s role as an effective international partner in establishing security, peace, coexistence, supporting sustainable development goals, and serving humanity. He emphasized 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, aiming to consolidate international partnerships for regional and global peace and prosperity. He added that the Kingdom seeks to strengthen human solidarity and support the
development of international relations on foundations of cordiality, understanding, respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in their affairs. Bahrain is committed to considering common development interests and adhering to international law and the UN Charter.
The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed gratitude to Arab and Islamic countries, and the Asia-Pacific group for their support and endorsement of Bahrain’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, marking the second time in its history after 1998-1999. He extended thanks to other countries and blocs for their confidence in Bahraini diplomacy and its balanced principles.
The Minister underscored Bahrain’s rich civilisational heritage, noble human values, and creative abilities to adapt and face challenges, which have shaped the approach of Bahraini diplomacy.
He mentioned that Bahrain anticipates activating the role of the international community in consolidating solidarity and prosperity and maintaining international peac
e and security through its potential membership. The Kingdom prioritizes establishing sustainable peace and dialogue in conflict resolution, enhancing humanitarian action for those affected by disasters and crises, combating extremism and terrorism, and ensuring cyber, environmental, food, water, and maritime security. Additionally, the Kingdom 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 reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to continuing its diplomatic contributions in establishing values of tolerance, coexistence, and civilisational dialogue, in line 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,” leading 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 an international convention criminalizing religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. The Kingdom works to spread a culture of peace and understanding, enhancing ties between nations.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that through Bahrain’s active UN membership for over five decades, its aspiration for Security Council membership, and its current presidency of the Council of the League of Arab States, the Kingdom will continue efforts to implement the King’s initiatives. These include holding an international conference for peace in the Middle East, aiming for full recognition of the State of Palestine and its UN membership; providing educational and health services to those affected by conflicts; developing Arab and international cooperation in financial technology and digital transformation; and supporting sustainable development goals and the Future Charter principles.
He emphasized that Bahrain, under the foreign policy approach led by His Majesty the King
and the 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. Bahrain aspires to be a beacon of coexistence, peace, and tolerance, promoting civilisational openness, respect for human rights, and upholding values of cohesion, dialogue, understanding, and responsible collective action. He added that this aligns with working towards a safe and prosperous region and a better future for humanity in a more stable, peaceful, just, solidary, and prosperous world.