Baghdad: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the Kingdom of Bahrain's delegation to the 34th Arab League Summit held in Baghdad, Iraq. In his opening session address, he conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, wishing for the summit's success. He expressed gratitude to Iraq's President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, the Iraqi government, and the people for their hospitality and commendable organization.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Zayani extended thanks to Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and the staff of the General Secretariat for their contributions to advancing joint Arab action and cooperation during Bahrain's presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit. He reflected on Bahrain's honor in chairing the previous summit, during which they advanced Arab cooperation through initiatives centered on peace, stability, and sustainable development. These initiatives included supporting the Palestinian quest for an independent state and full UN membership, as well as providing educational and healthcare services to those impacted by regional conflicts.
Dr. Al Zayani affirmed Bahrain's commitment to implementing these initiatives via Arab cooperation frameworks and international partnerships. He reiterated Bahrain's support for the "Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution" led by Saudi Arabia, and Egypt's plan for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. He underscored the importance of adhering to ceasefire agreements, the release of hostages, the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid, and the safeguarding of Palestinians' rights.
He highlighted the complex regional and international challenges, emphasizing the necessity of upholding the principles in the Bahrain Declaration and the Charter of the Arab League. The establishment of a comprehensive security framework to protect regional states' sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity was advocated. Dr. Al Zayani also congratulated Syria on the lifting of sanctions and praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh.
Dr. Al Zayani called for the investment of Arab resources in joint development projects, supporting food, water, and environmental security, and the utilization of renewable energy and digital technologies for sustainable development. He expressed Bahrain's gratitude for the support of Arab countries for its candidacy for non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council and for backing Bahrain's initiative to establish the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.
In closing, Dr. Al Zayani handed over the summit's presidency to Iraq's President Abdul Latif Rashid, wishing him success and expressing hope for constructive outcomes that would enhance Arab unity and serve shared interests. The Bahrain delegation included key officials such as Khaled Yousif Al Jalahma, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, Khalid Ahmed Al Mansour, and Fayez Hashem Al Sada.