STRICT protocols to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counter Iranian aggression were discussed at the opening of a security summit in Manama yesterday.
The US, Bahrain and Poland are co-hosting the two-day summit of the Warsaw Ministerial’s Maritime and Aviation Security Working Group.
US Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Security and Non-proliferation principal deputy assistant Eliot Kang is heading the US delegation.
“The meeting hosted by Bahrain aims to promote common security interests in the region and the world,” said Mr Kang.
He also stressed the importance of joining international efforts to maintain maritime and aviation security.
Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Secretary of State at Poland’s Interior Ministry Administration Krzysztof Kozłowski attended the opening of the summit.
“Last month, oil processing facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were attacked by low altitude missiles and unmanned arise drones in a brazen act of aggression and disregard to the safety, security and prosperity of the region of the world,” said Shaikh Khalid.
“In the previous months, commercial shipping vessels were either attacked or interdicted unjustly in violation of international laws and agreements.
“These actions threaten global commerce, the stability of our global and interconnected economy, and the security of our region.
“ The threat is serious and it must be addressed.”
Shaikh Khalid called upon delegates to take collective stand against such acts and protect nations from “ rogue states, non state actors and terrorist groups.”
Letter
Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Kamal Ahmed, Interior Ministry’s Public Security chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan and Defence Affairs Minister Major General Abdulla bin Hassan Al Nuaimi.
Meanwhile, the GDN has secured a copy of a letter signed by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to delegates attending the summit.
“This meeting comes at a critical moment in history,” he said.
“The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery, whether by air or sea, poses a serious threat to international peace and security.”
He said the State Department’s WMD inventories and the materials used to produce them continues to grow so does the likelihood that these weapons “will fall into the wrong hands”.
“I note, in particular, the challenge of Iran which has received sensitive items and materials related to WMD or their means of delivery in violation of UN Security Council resolution 2231.
“The leading state sponsor of terrorism can never be allowed to enrich uranium at any level, and we will continue to impose maximum pressure on the regime in Iran until it abandons its destabilising behaviour, including its proliferation-sensitive work.”
Furthermore, he said the meeting in Manama shows a commitment to take necessary actions to stop countries continuing to pursue WMD.
“We cannot do this alone, and all nations must work together to stop the spread of these dangerous materials and technologies.
“We must continue to adapt to evolving threats, expand counter proliferation efforts, and ensure that we are prepared to identify and act on our commitments to achieve our shared security goals.”
The working group meeting in Manama is one of seven that were announced following the Ministerial to Advance Peace and Security in the Middle East in February in Warsaw, Poland.
The GDN reported that the Fifth Fleet was working with Bahrain and other members of the International Maritime Security Construct to increase surveillance and protect shipping of partner nations.
Both the UK and the US are already escorting their merchant ships due to fears of possible attacks by Iran.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))