the Kingdom of Bahrain handed over the presidency of the Arab Summit to Iraq, while calling for adherence to the provisions of the Bahrain Declaration from the previous summit, which emphasized supporting the Palestinian cause and enhancing Arab cooperation.

This came in a speech delivered by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, who headed his country’s delegation to the 34th Ordinary Arab Summit in Baghdad.

Al-Zayani stated that Bahrain was honored to preside over the 33rd Arab Summit, during which it sought to advance paths of joint Arab action toward broader horizons of fraternal and strategic partnership, in line with the aspirations of Arab peoples for security and stability.

He added that Bahrain had put forward numerous initiatives reflecting its firm and unwavering stance on the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state and gain full membership in the United Nations. These efforts also included calls to provide educational services for those affected by conflicts and crises in the region, as well as promoting Arab cooperation in technology and digital transformation.

He affirmed Bahrain’s support for the international coalition’s efforts to implement the two-state solution, initiated by Saudi Arabia, as well as the early recovery and Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt and endorsed by the Palestine Summit in Cairo. He also stressed the need to adhere to ceasefire agreements, release detained hostages, and facilitate the full and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid while ensuring Palestinians remain on their land.

Al-Zayani added, “The Baghdad Summit convenes today amid complex regional and international challenges, necessitating adherence to the principles outlined in the Bahrain Declaration and the Charter of the Arab League. It is crucial to find peaceful and consensual solutions to crises affecting many Arab states and to establish an integrated security framework that safeguards the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of our nations. This framework must also protect our national security from extremism, terrorism, foreign interference, and ensure the safety of maritime navigation.”

He also expressed Bahrain’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic following the United States’ decision to lift sanctions, praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this regard and the success of the Gulf-American Summit in Riyadh.

Additionally, he thanked Arab states for supporting Bahrain’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council and endorsing its initiative to establish an International Day for Peaceful Coexistence.