Bahrain king urges concerted efforts to defeat terrorism

MANAMA: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has called for solidarity among all countries to root out terrorism and dry up its sources of funding, urging regional and international coordination and concerted efforts to defeat the scourge.

He also commended the efforts of the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ)— comprising Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt — to protect the region from the threat posed by extremist groups. The king made these remarks as he received the ATQ foreign ministers ahead of Sunday’s joint meeting of the quartet in Manama. They are Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, UAE minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation; Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi foreign minister; Sameh Shoukry, Egyptian foreign minister; and Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s foreign minister.

King Hamad praised the quartet’s commitment to supporting the security and stability of the region, addressing its problems and protecting it from the policies of extremist groups and terrorists. “Our countries will continue their strenuous efforts to protect the blessed march of the Gulf Cooperation Council from any policies which may harm member states, affect its peoples or derail its achievements,” he said. He paid tribute to martyrs from the four countries, who fell in the line of duty in the fight against terrorism.

According to the Bahrain News Agency, the king stressed the crucial importance of defending pan-Arab security and staving off any subversive attempts to prey on the Arab region. “Bahrain stands united with sister countries and backs all joint stances and measures to confront challenges and threats,” he said.

“The strength and cohesion of Arab countries depend on their solidarity and unity in confronting all challenges,” he added, describing pan-Arab joint action at this defining period as a vital pillar and the inevitable choice.

“This critical phase requires stronger cooperation and unity to protect our vital interests, (and) thwart subversive designs which aim at sowing divisions and undermining pan-Arab security,”

The king earlier welcomed the ministers and wished them success in their joint meeting, hailing strong fraternal relations and joint cooperation between the four countries. He also hosted a dinner banquet in honor of the visiting ministers.