Foreign Minister meets US Secretary of State

Amman, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, on the sidelines of Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza conference, held here. The meeting reviewed the long-standing historical relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States and discussed means to further develop them within the framework of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). Dr. Al Zayani briefed his counterpart on the outcomes of the Arab Summit in Bahrain and the key resolutions and initiatives it adopted. The initiatives included calling for convening an international conference for peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state, aimed at supporting international recognition of it and its acceptance as a full United Nations member. Other initiatives aim at the provision of health and educational services to those affected by conflicts and advancing cooperation in financial technolog y and digital transformation. The minister underscored the importance of international cooperation to implement the initiatives and resolutions adopted by the Arab Summit, and the support of the US for Bahrain's efforts to achieve peace, stability, and development in the region. For his part, Blinken lauded the success of the Arab Summit in Bahrain, emphasising the United States' support for the initiatives and resolutions adopted by the summit. He commended the continuous cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the US and Bahrain at all levels to serve common interests. The two officials discussed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and regional and international efforts for a ceasefire, protecting civilians and releasing hostages and detainees. The discussion also addressed efforts to deliver humanitarian and relief aid and to create prospects for negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian cause and achieving peace and stability in the region. During the meeting, Dr. Al Zayani emphasised the importance of the US's role in stopping the war in Gaza, promoting regional security and stability, and protecting international navigation. The minister conveyed to his US counterpart that the Kingdom supports the initiative of US President Joe Biden to achieve a ceasefire and urged both Israel and Hamas to accept it. He added that the initiative created an opportunity to end the war, releasing hostages and detainees, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. Source: Bahrain News Agency