Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King, to attend a reception for the heads of Bahrain's diplomatic missions abroad and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Diplomatic Day, which is observed annually on January 14. The event, attended by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was held at Shaikh Hamad Palace in Gudaibiya.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs. He welcomed His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representing His Majesty the King, and highlighted that Diplomatic Day was established by royal directive to recognize Bahraini diplomacy's role in implementing the Kingdom's foreign policy, strengthening international cooperation, and safeguarding national interests.
The Foreign Minister conveyed appreciation for His Majesty the King's continued support and guidance to Bahraini diplomacy and diplomats, acknowledging their contributions to national development and Bahrain's international standing. He also praised the support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which empowers the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fulfill its responsibilities effectively at both national and international levels.
Dr. Al Zayani also emphasized His Majesty the King's order designating the current year as the "Year of Isa Al Kabeer," honoring the legacy of the late Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, a key figure in establishing the modern Bahraini state. He noted that the Diplomatic Day gathering reflects His Majesty's appreciation for the diplomatic corps and their efforts in enhancing Bahrain's regional and international position.
He mentioned that Bahrain's diplomatic approach, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is rooted in the principles of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, committed to dialogue, diplomatic solutions to conflicts, and international cooperation in line with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed pride in Bahrain's active international role, highlighting the Kingdom's current non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and its commitment to contributing positively to global efforts for peace, security, development, and prosperity. He also underscored Bahrain's current chairmanship of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its aim to further strengthen Gulf integration, regional security, and stability.
He stated that Bahrain is entering an important phase in its diplomatic work, requiring ongoing efforts to address challenges and advance development goals, expressing confidence in Bahrain's future under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
The Foreign Minister extended appreciation to the heads of Bahrain's diplomatic missions abroad, ministry undersecretaries, directors-general, and diplomatic and administrative staff for their service, as well as to diplomats' families for their support. He also thanked the heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain for their role in strengthening relations and cooperation.
In conclusion, the Foreign Minister thanked His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa for attending the reception on behalf of His Majesty the King, wishing continued progress and stability for the Kingdom. Following the speech, a commemorative gift was presented to His Majesty the King, received by His Highness the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King.