Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the 2026 Diplomatic Forum, coinciding with Bahrain Diplomatic Day, which is observed annually on January 14.
The event was attended by Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for designating January 14 as Bahrain Diplomatic Day, in recognition of the constructive role of Bahraini diplomacy in implementing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s foreign policy, supporting national development and progress, and enhancing Bahrain’s international standing.
The Foreign Minister also expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the continued support of the ministry and its staff, and for the commitment to advancing diplomatic achievements, strengthening diplomatic work, and safeguarding the interests of the Kingdom and its citizens around the world.
He said that 2025 witnessed intensive Bahraini diplomatic activity amid a highly complex and challenging regional and international environment, requiring the highest levels of preparedness, wisdom, and responsibility. He noted that, at the political and diplomatic level, the vision of His Majesty the King was reflected in promoting a message of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, and in engaging positively and responsibly with the international community, based on Bahrain’s foreign policy of strengthening peace, supporting sustainable development, and respecting human rights.
Dr. Al Zayani added that this vision was clearly reflected in the strong consensus resulting from the outcomes of the Bahrain Summit hosted in May 2024, the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council hosted in December 2025, as well as the Kingdom’s successful hosting of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference and the 21st Manama Dialogue. These achievements reinforced Bahrain’s position as a leading international platform for regional and global dialogue, while consistently conveying the Kingdom’s message across international and regional forums.
The Foreign Minister highlighted that Bahrain’s bilateral relations witnessed notable momentum through a number of exchanged official visits between His Majesty the King and leaders of other countries, as well as official visits by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to several countries. This was accompanied by the signing of agreements, memoranda of understanding, and joint cooperation programmes with many states, within the framework of a balanced foreign policy that serves Bahrain’s national interests and supports its economic growth goals.
He said that, based on this vision, Bahrain played a clear role in addressing emerging challenges, particularly the security developments witnessed in the region during 2025, including the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-Iranian war, and continued conflicts in Sudan, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, and elsewhere. He added that Bahraini diplomacy demonstrated both political and humanitarian engagement through participation in regional and international conferences aimed at finding political solutions, ending wars, and achieving peace, as well as through intensive efforts to evacuate citizens from affected countries and facilitate their safe return. He noted these efforts reflect effective coordination between diplomatic and consular work and embodied the principle of the nation’s responsibility to protect its citizens in all circumstances. He expressed his appreciation to all ministry teams and diplomatic missions for their dedication and high sense of responsibility.
Dr. Al Zayani underscored that the ministry’s efforts were also evident through its participation in the national exercise “Azm Al Watan 1”, which demonstrated a high level of institutional readiness and the ability to manage risks and crises using an integrated approach. He also referred to Bahrain’s candidacy for membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, reflecting the Kingdom’s belief in the need for a balanced voice at the heart of international decision-making.
The Foreign Minister added that 2026 carries major international and historic responsibilities for Bahrain, foremost among them the presidency of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council, the chairmanship of the Council of the League of Arab States at ministerial level at the end of March 2026, and the presidency of the UN Security Council in April 2026. He noted that this will be a historic moment in which Bahrain will lead the world’s highest platform for maintaining international peace and security, in a manner that reflects the Kingdom’s standing and the confidence of the international community, and is consistent with the leadership’s vision of promoting peace and dialogue.
He said that great importance is placed on the key role of heads of diplomatic missions in conveying Bahrain’s positive image, strengthening its international presence, and contributing effectively to the success of these responsibilities, in line with the aspirations of the leadership and the Kingdom’s national interests.
Dr. Al Zayani also spoke about the ministry’s efforts to develop performance and improve productivity through innovative digital tools, including the bilateral relations platform to support the work of missions abroad and enhance bilateral relations, the Mawaqif (Positions) application providing diplomats with the Kingdom’s official positions, the Tamayouz/Masari (Excellence/ My Path) system to empower diplomats, develop career paths, and enhance skills and performance, as well as the Wejhaty (My Destination) application and electronic consular services. These systems have proven effective in strengthening the ministry’s institutional performance.
The Foreign Minister emphasised that these efforts enhance diplomats’ effectiveness and reflect continued support rooted in a strong team spirit within the diplomatic corps, where everyone represents Team Bahrain. He expressed confidence in their experience and ability to represent the Kingdom of Bahrain with distinction, supported by the leadership and accumulated institutional expertise.
