Manama: The conflicts ravaging Syria and Iraq will top the agenda of a security conference in Bahrain that will focus on instability in Libya and Yemen, the menace of violent extremism, and the regional security architecture.
The future of US policy, one month after the presidential elections, as well as European and Asian engagements in the region will also be at the centre of the discussions of the 12th edition of the Manama Dialogue.
The steadily-growing relations between the GCC and Asia will also rank high on the agenda of Manama Dialogue 12.
The conference, co-organised by Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), will follow the same format as the previous ones, with an opening speech on Friday evening and keynote speeches and sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on his first visit to Bahrain since he was appointed in July is among those addressing the conference.
UK government’s official Arabic spokesperson Edwin Samuel said the participation of Johnson in Manama Dialogue 12 “reflects British commitment to protecting the GCC security and strengthening trade and economic relations with member states.”
Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa said the Manama Dialogue would provide an important platform for the convergence of ideas and the exchange of views among decision makers and security leaders to reach a comprehensive vision and framework capable of facing various challenges in the region as well as establish a road map to resolve its crisis, in accordance to the current situation.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to continue hosting the Manama Dialogue, which reflects its policy based on bolstering relations with various countries across the world, founded on mutual respect and joint interest as well as backing all regional and international efforts, and in solidarity with all initiatives directed to the consolidation of peace and security, which is a prerequisite for promoting economic and social development of all peoples of the region,” Shaikh Khalid said.
