Foreign Minister commends role of Bahraini women in diplomacy

Manama, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, lauded the contributions of Bahraini women diplomacy. The minister emphasised their role in bolstering Bahrain's position and supporting the sustainable development goals, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Dr. Al Zayani congratulated His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, which is celebrated on June 24. Dr. Al Zayani underscored the pioneering achievements of Bahraini women in all disciplines of diplomacy since the 1970s, and their active role in decision-making and consolidating peace, democracy, and sustainable development at national , regional, and international levels. He expressed his appreciation to the SCW for its efforts and initiatives to promote the national and diplomatic roles of women, based on equality and equal opportunities, in line with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women, the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). He emphasised that the Kingdom, under the leadership of HM the King and with the efforts of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the follow up of SCW has led the way in recognising the contributions of women. He said this was demonstrated through the celebration of Bahraini Women's Day in Diplomacy in 2020, and the introduction of awards, initiatives, and plans aimed at supporting the advancement and development of women in diplomacy, which include the launch of the HRH Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment, in cooperation with the United Nations (UN) in 2017. The minister said Bahraini women have proven their capabilities in diplomacy by succeeding in holding key positions which included the election of Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa as President of the United Nations General Assembly's 61st session in 2006, and the appointment of Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal as Ambassador of Bahrain to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League. Dr. Al Zayani expressed his appreciation to the Bahraini women working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic and consular missions of the Kingdom abroad. He underlined the importance of their efforts in decision-making as ambassadors, director generals, and chiefs of sectors in the ministry, and their international presence as members of regional and international organisations. Furthermore, Dr. Al Zayani underscored the ministry's commitment, through the follow up of the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies (MBMA), in p reparing, qualifying, and graduating diplomatic and administrative competencies through its advanced educational and training programmes. He emphasised Bahrain's pride in women assuming various legislative, judicial, and executive leadership positions in the government, their participation in the Shura Council and the Representatives' Council, their active participation in the comprehensive development process, and their role in various regional and international diplomatic forums. He also commended the contributions of Bahraini women in organising the 33rd Arab Summit, which has resulted in tangible outcomes that embody the Kingdom's message and key initiatives under the presidency of HM King Hamad. These initiatives aim to foster solidarity and joint Arab action, as well as consolidate regional and global security, peace, and prosperity. Source: Bahrain News Agency