HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister inaugurates the 22nd edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, today inaugurated the 22nd edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue.
His Royal Highness welcomed participants to the forum and expressed his best wishes for constructive discussions and outcomes that contribute to advancing regional and international security and achieving the forum’s objectives.
His Royal Highness affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s steadfast commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to supporting international efforts that advance collective cooperation in safeguarding regional and global security and stability.
His Royal Highness underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, emphasising the need to safeguard vital international waterways and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandab Strait, as essential to maintaining regional and global security, stability, and prosperity.
His Royal Highness stressed that achieving lasting security and stability is a shared objective and collective responsibility that requires coordinated efforts, aligned priorities, and a common commitment to addressing challenges through constructive dialogue and cooperation.
His Royal Highness further noted that security and stability provide the essential foundations for sustainable development and progress, highlighting the importance of strengthening international partnerships and advancing collective efforts to promote lasting peace and fulfil the aspirations of peoples for greater prosperity.
His Royal Highness commended the significant role of the IISS Manama Dialogue as a leading international platform for addressing regional and global security challenges. His Royal Highness highlighted the forum’s longstanding contribution to facilitating constructive dialogue among decision-makers, fostering greater understanding on issues of common interest, and strengthening partnerships that support international security and cooperation.
His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of building on the outcomes of such international forums to deepen cooperation, exchange perspectives and expertise, and develop effective responses to shared challenges. His Royal Highness reaffirmed that sustained coordination and collective action remain essential to advancing common security and development objectives.
HE Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, participated remotely in the opening session, during which key regional and international issues were addressed, including efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation, strengthen maritime security, and foster international consensus on protecting vital maritime routes.
HE Mitsotakis also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia to facilitate trade and deepen economic ties. Discussions further addressed recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly maritime boundary issues and their implications for regional security and stability, as well as opportunities to advance cooperation and promote lasting stability across the region.
The opening session was attended by a number of senior officials, dignitaries, and high-level delegations, including ministers, security officials, military leaders, and academics from around the world.
