During the Manama Dialogue 19 conference in November 2023, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, presented a crucial perspective on the complexities and challenges in the Middle East. Born on April 15, 1954, Al Zayani, a Bahraini engineer and retired lieutenant general, has been the Foreign Minister of Bahrain since January 2020, succeeding Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Before this role, he served as the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from April 2011 to February 2020, the first with a military background to hold this position since the establishment of the GCC.
The Manama Dialogue, an influential regional security summit, was hosted by Bahrain and organized in cooperation with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) from November 17-19, 2023. This event, significant in the Middle East and global political landscape, brought together senior international officials, experts, and prominent thinkers to discuss key political, defense, and security issues. The Dialogue aimed to promote security, peace, and prosperity, supporting sustainable development both regionally and globally.
At the conference, Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to discussing and analyzing these critical issues. He expressed gratitude to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support of the Manama Dialogue since its inception in 2004. This support has been instrumental in facilitating the summit’s role and outcomes.
Al Zayani’s statements at the Dialogue highlighted the importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing challenges and fostering common understanding for maintaining security and stability. He particularly underscored the gravity of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the need for concerted efforts to address political and security challenges in the Middle East.
