Manama, Nov. 19 (BNA): The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her happiness at returning to the Manama Dialogue and it is good to see Bahrain continuing to be a driving force for dialogue between countries and cultures.
Since my last visit four years ago, Bahrain’s achievements have been impressive. In the difficult times the world is going through, you have been a voice of wisdom and a voice of participation,” she said as she delivered the keynote speech at Manama Dialogue 2022.
The President of the European Union stressed that Europe wants to strengthen its involvement in the region – economically and in terms of security.
“Many Gulf states have been warning for years about the danger of Iran feeding rogue states around the world with drones,” she said.
It took us a long time to understand the very simple fact that while we work to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, we must also focus on other forms of weapons proliferation, from drones to ballistic missiles. It is a security risk, not only for the Middle East but for all of us.”
She added that the world needs a stronger security structure, against the spread of chaos.
We know this in Europe and it is also important here in the Gulf. Europe is ready to do its part. We want to strengthen our engagement in the region – economically but also in terms of security. We want closer cooperation on maritime security – for example to ensure safe shipping lanes,” said von der Leyen.
So we will appoint a special representative for the Gulf. Let us join forces for our collective security. Let’s join forces for our collective security.”
Held annually since 2004 in Bahrain, the Manama Dialogue allows leaders, ministers and policymakers from the Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia to come together to discuss the most pressing regional security issues and share policy responses.
The theme of the Manama Dialogue 2022 is “Rules and Competition in the Middle East”.
“At a time of great challenges to the rules-based order, the dialogue will provide an appropriate opportunity to examine their impact on interests, influence, and values in the Middle East and beyond.”