BAHRAIN is all set to make its voice heard in matters of international peace and security as it takes up a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council in less than two months’ time.
The kingdom was elected in June this year following a vote at the UN General Assembly in New York, where it received an overwhelming 186 out of 187 votes for the 2026-2027 term.
The other nations are Colombia, Congo, Latvia and Liberia. They will serve two-year terms beginning in January 2026.
Bahrain’s preparedness was highlighted yesterday during a think tank titled ‘Bahrain’s Experience in the Security Council: Between the Recent Past and the Nearest Future’, held at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) in Awali.
Speaking during the event, Foreign Ministry director general of bilateral relations Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, and Tawfiq Al Mansoor, formerly Bahrain’s permanent ambassador to the UN and former ambassador to Russia, stated that preparations are complete to ensure the kingdom is ready to take its place in the council.
“This is a big achievement for the kingdom,” said Shaikh Abdulla. “In anticipation of Bahrain taking the seat, the Foreign Ministry has formed a team that will be specialised in dealing with the Security Council.
“The diplomats have undergone an intensive six-month training programme to tackle any challenges that may arise during the next two years or so.
“Additionally, we have met with countries that are in a similar position to Bahrain, like Slovenia and Malta, in order to discuss the role and share experiences.
“Not only were they welcoming and very friendly, they were also very frank about what is to be expected, which was very useful in our preparations.
“Furthermore, we will be looking to co-operate with our brotherly nations in the GCC and the wider Arab world during our tenure to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.”
Shaikh Abdulla explained that the kingdom’s main goal during the next two years will be mostly to enhance personal, national and international safety and security while promoting unity.
“Our main goal will be to promote peaceful coexistence among people,” he said.
“The kingdom also aims to enhance security – particularly for women and children – as well as cybersecurity and maritime security.
“We know there will be multiple challenges to deal with, and we have no idea what will happen around the world during our tenure.
“But regardless, now that we are representatives in the Security Council, we will do our best to defend Arab interests and the interest of the region as a whole.”
This will be Bahrain’s second time serving on the council, after its 1998-1999 term.
Back then, among the most prominent issues the world had to deal with were matters pertaining to Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Libya and Sudan, with Bahrain actively involved.
Mr Al Mansoor noted that while some issues may be similar, they will also be exponentially different at the same time.
“The world has changed in a major way since then, but there are still issues to deal with,” he said.
“The Palestinian issue especially has made Arab representation on the council very important.
“Bahrain will also look to deal with other Arab and Islamic issues, along with matters from Africa, which always takes a big chunk of Security Council discussions.
“GCC issues are very important to us as well.
“Our foreign policy, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will be dedicated to developing and maintaining strong relations.
“We already have a strong endorsement from Asian countries, so we are confident that Bahrain is ready for the role.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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