Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, participated remotely in the inauguration ceremony of the “Parliamentary Diplomacy Diploma” programme, jointly prepared by the Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies and the Representatives Council.
Addressing the virtual ceremony, the Speaker said that the importance of the programme stems from the pivotal role played by parliamentary diplomacy in serving the kingdom’s foreign policy, consolidating its effective presence and enhancing the trust it enjoys at the international level.
She asserted that the rapidly-unfolding world developments and the convergence of interests of countries at all levels require the activation of all available tools to support the nation’s policies and strengthen its international relations, noting that parliamentary diplomacy is an influential tool to raise the levels of Bahrain’s mutual understanding with friendly countries, as well as regional and international organisations.
She indicated that the legislative branch has developed the necessary plans and strategies, and given parliamentary diplomacy utmost priority, being one of the most important tools to implement national policies at the external levels, through bilateral relations or multi-lateral diplomatic work, noting that the diplomatic work of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and that of the legislative branch complete each other, as their ultimate goal is to achieve national interests.
She affirmed that the legislative branch in the kingdom has made tangible and fruitful diplomatic contributions at the GCC, Arab, regional, continental, Islamic and international levels thanks to the Reform Project, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
She pointed out that the performance of Bahrain’s parliamentary diplomacy has improved thanks to directives of HM the King and the keenness of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to use parliamentary diplomacy to care for national interests and consolidate global peace and security.
She expressed pride in the achievements of Bahraini foreign policy which, she said, promoted moderation and balance and become a global role model by deepening international relations based on mutual trust, achieving common interests, respecting the sovereignty of states, and highlighting the comprehensive renaissance in the Kingdom.
She added that the distinguished cooperation of the kingdom’s embassies has supported parliamentary diplomacy, and enabled the legislative branch to undertake its national responsibilities, especially during the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
She affirmed that parliamentary diplomacy is based on a clear roadmap and a continuous action plan aimed at enhancing the role of the Representatives Council in contributing to the kingdom’s diplomacy.
The Speaker expressed thanks and appreciation to Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Al-Zayani, and all the Ministry’s staff for their dedication in serving the nation. She also paid tribute to the affiliates of the Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies for their fruitful contributions and major role in preparing the rich programme.
She affirmed that the kingdom boasts unique foreign policy elements, noting that the Bahraini diplomacy is based on a rich legacy, and stems from HM the King’s sound visions that promote Bahrain’s noble humanitarian values, including tolerance, co-existence, fraternity, mutual respect, commitment to international conventions and laws, in addition to contributions to consolidating global security, peace and stability for the best interests of the entire world.
Dr. Al-Zayani, in his speech, expressed the joint keenness of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Representatives Council to enhance their constructive cooperation and achieve their common goals of developing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting the kingdom’s foreign policy, in line with the directives of HM the King and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He lauded the close cooperation between the officials of the Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies and the Representatives Council’s Secretariat-General over the past period to prepare such a distinguished programme aimed at enhancing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in support the Foreign Ministry’s efforts to achieve top national interest, as well as strengthening Bahrain’s relations with brotherly and friendly countries.
He affirmed that in line with the directives of HM King Hamad, the principles and goals of Bahraini diplomacy are unified so as to preserve the nation’s sovereignty, independence, security and prosperity, in addition to enhancing its regional and international status, while maintaining the main features of moderation, balance, flexibility, harmony and constructive cooperation with various countries, within the framework of international conventions and laws.
He indicated that Bahrain’s foreign policy is based on several key principles, including preserving the kingdom’s sovereignty and independence, maintaining its territorial and national unity, safeguarding national security and stability using all legitimate means, in accordance with international conventions, protecting and supporting the interests of Bahraini citizens abroad and providing care for residents.
They also include consolidating efforts to develop the national economy, achieving the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, reaching economic unity with GCC countries, adherence to the principles of joint GCC action, strengthening relations with GCC countries and belief in the importance of joint Arab and Islamic action and solidarity.
Dr. Al-Zayani highlighted the kingdom’s keenness to create a regional and international environment in which peace, security, sustainable development, solidarity and cooperation prevail.
He added that the kingdom is committed to participating in international efforts to combat terrorism and prevent its funding, as well as to building cordial relations and bolstering constructive cooperation with all countries, based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and shared interests.
He affirmed that the Kingdom believes in the constructive role of the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international and regional organisations, and adheres to their charters, laws and resolutions.
He expressed the kingdom’s keenness to defend just causes in the world, foremost among which are the rights of the Palestinian people, spread the values of love, fraternity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among nations, religions and sects, as well as combat extremist ideology, intolerance and extremism.
He indicated that the Foreign Affairs Ministry strives hard to consolidate the fundamentals of Bahrain’s foreign policy, based on enhancing human rights protection in the kingdom, achieving sustainable development goals, ensure full protection for the environment and laying the foundations for global peace, security and stability.
Dr. Al-Zayani stressed the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s interest in establishing a solid and constructive partnership with the legislative branch to further strengthen the role of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving the national goals, out of the belief that the National Assembly is an effective element in achieving them.
The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to such an ambitious programme, lauding the interest of lawmakers in implementing it.
He also paid tribute to ministers, ambassador, senior Foreign Ministry’s officials, as well as political and parliamentary experts for their agreement to enrich the programme with their ideas, expertise and practical experience.
