Bahrain’s enduring security depends on its co-operation with regional and international partners, Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday said in his address to world leaders and intelligence chiefs.
He was speaking during the second plenary session of the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue 2025 held at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.
“We take pride in our defence co-operation with our GCC brothers and international partners through coalitions to counter terrorism and piracy and enhance maritime security,” he said.
The minister added that such partnership is further reinforced by agreements such as the GCC joint defence agreement ‘which states that an attack on one is an attack on all’.
In addition, he said the six GCC countries were advancing towards completing a customs union and laying the foundation for deepening global trade and investment opportunities.
The minister also touched upon the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between Bahrain and the US which is a testament of interconnection between prosperity and security.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, signed C-SIPA in September 2023 with then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
One of the key points that C-SIPA delivers is enhancing deterrence, including through expanded defence and security co-operation, interoperability and mutual intelligence-capacity building.
The United Kingdom’s accession as the third party to C-SIPA took effect on June 19 this year. “This region, advanced by Bahrain’s leadership, will continue to guide our foreign policy as we look to build coalitions for peace through which we can work collectively to achieve a more secure and stable region,” said Dr Al Zayani.
However, he said that a fragmented region facing economic instability in which people’s aspirations remain unfulfilled needs to be addressed immediately.
“At the heart of the Middle East lies the Palestinian/Israeli conflict without a just and lasting resolution,” he stated. “It will continue to undermine all our efforts and we are therefore greatly encouraged by the adoption of the peace plan presented by (US) President (Donald) Trump and supported by the work of regional mediators.
“This could represent a pivotal moment, as the first phase has already brought a ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to residents.
“A secure and prosperous Gulf and Middle East will remain elusive unless the Palestinian people achieve their legitimate right to an independent and sovereign state living in peace and security along with Israel.”
He said this objective must be complemented by renewed negotiation between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme aimed at addressing regional concerns.
“As Bahrain assumes its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council next year, these considerations will be at the forefront of our minds, while collaborating with global partners,” he said.
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