United against terror

Manama : Concerns regarding the growing threat of terrorism and extremism and ways to prevent it were the main agendas on the table, when the world leaders converged on Bahrain yesterday for the 2016 Manama Dialogue. 

In this regard, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa held several meaningful discussions with key leaders and officials on the sidelines of the event. 

While the forum went on producing several though-provoking discussions and workable ideas, the leaders continued to express their concerns and determination in bringing an end to the rising threat of extremism in the region in their meetings with the Crown Prince. 

In his meeting with the Yemeni Vice President, Prince Salman emphasised Bahrain’s firm commitment in this regard. Prince Salman, while affirming Bahrain’s active role within the Saudi-led Arab coalition to support the legitimate government of Yemen, said that the Kingdom is committed in bringing  peace and stability in Yemen. 

Taking to Gen. Ali Mohsin Al Ahmar, the Crown Prince said that Bahrain welcomes positive steps taken by all sides to reach a long-lasting  solution acceptable to all.

Supporting the effort of UN Envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in this regard, Prince Salman also expressed his appreciation towards Yemen’s constructive contribution to the Manama Dialogue. 

During the meeting held in the presence of  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, HRH Crown Prince conveyed his greeting to the Yemen’s President, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

German support

Security issues continued to rule the topic, during his meeting with German Federal Minister of Defence, Dr. Ursula von der Leyen. 

Echoing the theme, She earlier told the Manama Dialogue that the coalition against terror should be complemented with a coalition for education. 

Appreciating Germany’s effort in this regard, Prince Salman, while praising the German participation in the dialogue, stressed the importance of enhancing political, economic and security cooperation. 

The leaders also discussed key regional developments as well as issues on this year’s Manama Dialogue agenda. 

US participation 

The Commander of US Central Command, General Joseph Votel also reviewed with Prince Salman the ongoing issues in the region. The discussions further strengthened the need to utilise the strong bilateral relations existing between the countries to enhance fight against terrorism and to ensure security and stability in the region. 

Separately, Prince Salman held discussions with Head of the National Intelligence Organisation of the Republic of Turkey, Dr Hakan Fidan, Iraq’s Vice President, Iyad Allawi, and General (Ret.) David Petraeus, the former Director of the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency. Fight against terrorism and extremism continued to dominate the discussions, with special focus on enhancing bilateral relations.