(Kuwait) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa took part in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) member states held in Kuwait under the patronage of Prime Minister His Highness Shaikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Shaikh Khalid also attended the inauguration ceremony of the NATO Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait.
In his speech, the minister hailed the considerable efforts made by Kuwait in strengthening defence and security cooperation among the ICI countries, stressing that the ICI Regional Centre represents a milestone in the collaboration of the ICI member states that aim to achieve common interests and confront regional challenges.
He added that the meeting illustrates the progress of the tangible achievements of the ICI that was launched in 2004 and reflects the importance of the joint work.
It also reflects the progress achieved by the persistent efforts to establish strategic relations and strong partnerships, in addition to the exchange of experiences in the scientific, training, and various technical fields, and the enhancement of joint action and coordination in order to face the variable changes, eminent threats and overcome all threats to regional and international security and stability.
The minister stressed that Bahrain spares no effort to maintain security and peace in the region and is keen on strong cooperation and close coordination with NATO in line with the ICI and on constructively contributing to the achievement of ICI goals.
He stated that Bahrain has engaged in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan and launched the programme of cooperation and partnership with NATO in June 2016, which aims to enhance partnership in political, security, and military fields. Bahrain will also host the Policy Advisory Group meeting (PAG) this year.
He reaffirmed the continuation of Bahrain’s efforts to promote cooperation in all potential areas to the benefit of all member states.
Shaikh Khalid expressed his wishes of success to the NATO-ICI Regional Centre in strengthening ties between NATO and the ICI member states and in developing the mechanisms of political consultation and practical cooperation.
