Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said Saturday that intervening in the internal affairs of countries remains among the most serious challenges.
In a speech at the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, the King said that such interference “undermines principles and rights enshrined in international law.”
“The time has come to unify efforts to end such interference, out of respect for the sovereignty of states, their religious and cultural values, and their civilized approach to respecting others, promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, in addition to continuing joint efforts to make the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction, and to combat terrorism and extremist ideology and its banned organizations.”
King Hamad called for cooperation, solidarity and effective joint action to maintain regional security and stability.
He also stressed “the importance of supporting efforts aimed at stabilizing global energy prices, including increasing investments to expand exploration and refining, and introducing new technologies that contribute to supporting global economic growth and addressing price inflation.”
On the sidelines of the summit, King Hamad met with US President Joe Biden, who according to a joint statement, underscored Washington’s appreciation for the longstanding strategic partnership with Bahrain, including its hosting of the US Navy Forces Central Command/5th Fleet.
“The two leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening defense, security, economic, commercial, and people-to-people ties,” said the statement.
“Biden commended Bahrain’s expanded ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords and the Negev process. The two leaders discussed mutual efforts to foster regional integration and deepen security cooperation,” it added.
