Bahrain: The final session of the first day of the Manama Dialogue stressed the importance of initiatives aimed to strengthen regional and global peace and security.Iraqi Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Dr. Fouad Hassan, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al Hajraf and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt took part in the conclusive session themed “Middle Eastern Initiatives to settle regional conflicts”.Dr. Hassan congratulated Bahrain for organizing this important platform, which contributes to strengthening dialogue and harnessing efforts in order to enhance regional and international cooperation, and achieve security and stability in the region and the world.He highlighted Iraq’s role in confronting the terrorist organization “ISIS”, noting that Bagdad is still playing the same role in cooperation with the countries in the region and the world to maintain security and stability, prevent the entry of foreign fighters and dry up financial support.He called on the UN Security Council to urge countries to fully implement their relevant obligations, cy combating terrorism and cutting off all forms of financial support.Dr. Al Hajraf stressed the pivotal role of the Middle East in promoting initiatives, citing particularly the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation States, which aims to create a framework for cooperation to enhance relations, development and prosperity and stability in the region and the world.He highlighted GCC countries’ wide-ranging programs and plans to develop human resources and upgrade the infrastructure, in addition meeting its obligations in combating terrorism and poverty in countries in need.Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt stressed the importance of peace and reconciliation, noting her country’s efforts to facilitate talks and long-term investment to create a coexistent world.She highlighted her country’s involvement in facilitating negotiations around the world and supporting cooperation initiatives, which contributed to achieving positive results such as reducing the suffering of those affected, a temporary ceasefire, or the establishment of safe corridors.She affirmed her country’s commitment, as an elected member of the Security Council, to focus on the issues of Syria and Yemen and the threat it may cause to security in Europe.
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