Riyadh, November 11, 2024 — Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasizing that resolving the Palestinian issue is essential to safeguarding the rights of all regional peoples to live in security and harmony.
Context and Background
The Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, brought together leaders from across the Muslim world to address pressing regional challenges. Bahrain’s participation underscored the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to diplomatic solutions and regional stability, aligning with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab League efforts to advance peace initiatives.
Key Details
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa urged the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN) Security Council, to act responsibly on Bahrain’s initiative endorsed at the ‘Bahrain Summit’ held in Manama last May. The initiative calls for convening an international peace conference and supporting the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Deputy Prime Minister also demanded an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and southern Lebanon, the release of hostages, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and reconstruction efforts to facilitate refugee return. He stressed ending the illegal Israeli occupation, preserving Jerusalem’s historical and legal status, preventing violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon in all its aspects.
Implications and Impact
Bahrain’s call reinforces regional and international momentum for a two-state solution and humanitarian relief. By highlighting UN Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement for Lebanon’s stability, the statement aims to strengthen multilateral frameworks for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid, potentially shaping diplomatic discourse in upcoming UN sessions and Arab League meetings.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the summit reflects its Vision 2030 commitment to regional stability, economic integration, and global diplomacy. By facilitating dialogue on the Palestinian issue, Saudi Arabia advances its role as a mediator and leader in the Islamic world, fostering conditions for peace that support long-term development goals and cross-border cooperation.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the main message of Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister at the Riyadh summit?
A1. He called for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasizing that resolving the Palestinian issue is essential for regional security and harmony.
Q2. Which summit did Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa attend?
A2. He attended the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024.
Q3. What initiative did Bahrain propose at the ‘Bahrain Summit’ in Manama?
A3. Bahrain proposed an initiative to convene an international peace conference to support Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Q4. What territorial basis did Bahrain support for a Palestinian state?
A4. Bahrain supported a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Q5. What immediate action did Bahrain call for in Gaza and southern Lebanon?
A5. Bahrain called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
Q6. What humanitarian measures did Bahrain demand?
A6. Bahrain demanded the release of hostages, opening of humanitarian corridors, and initiation of reconstruction efforts for refugee return.
Q7. How did Bahrain address the Israeli occupation?
A7. Bahrain called for ending the illegal Israeli occupation and preserving Jerusalem’s historical and legal status.
Q8. What did Bahrain say about violence in the West Bank?
A8. Bahrain emphasized preventing violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Q9. Which UN resolution on Lebanon did Bahrain reference?
A9. Bahrain referenced UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon.
Q10. What agreement for Lebanon did Bahrain uphold?
A10. Bahrain upheld the Taif Agreement to ensure Lebanon’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.
Q11. Who organized the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit?
A11. The summit was hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
Q12. What role did Saudi Arabia play in the summit?
A12. Saudi Arabia hosted the summit, reflecting its Vision 2030 commitment to regional stability and diplomacy.
Q13. How does Bahrain’s position align with GCC goals?
A13. Bahrain’s call for peace and stability aligns with GCC efforts to promote diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation.
Q14. What international body did Bahrain urge to act?
A14. Bahrain urged the United Nations (UN) Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities.
Q15. Why is the 1967 border significant in Bahrain’s proposal?
A15. The 1967 border is a widely recognized basis for a two-state solution in international diplomacy.
Q16. What is the significance of East Jerusalem in the proposal?
A16. East Jerusalem is considered by Palestinians as the capital of their future independent state.
Q17. How does Bahrain’s initiative support humanitarian aid?
A17. It calls for opening humanitarian corridors and reconstruction to aid refugees.
Q18. What does Bahrain say about UN agencies?
A18. Bahrain emphasized enhancing UN and agency efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.
Q19. How does this summit impact Saudi Arabia’s global role?
A19. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Islamic world and its role as a mediator for peace.
Q20. What long-term goal does Bahrain’s statement support?
A20. It supports a just and lasting peace that enables regional peoples to live in security and harmony.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.