His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has confirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain hosting of the 19th session of the Manama Dialogue Conference, known as the "Regional Security Summit", reaffirms Bahrain's leading role in discussing and analysing key political, defence, and security issues in the Middle East and worldwide. The conference aims to bring together numerous senior international officials and experts to exchange ideas and theories regarding common challenges, with the objective of promoting security, peace, and prosperity to support sustainable development in the region and globally.

This statement was made during the participation of HE the Secretary General in the 19th session of the Manama Dialogue Conference "Regional Security Summit", organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain in cooperation with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on November 17-19, 2023, in Manama. The event was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security, heads of security services, experts, politicians, and prominent thinkers from various countries.

His Excellency also expressed his appreciation for the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as their wise government, for their great assistance in facilitating the role of the Manama Dialogue and its outcomes since its inception in 2004.

HE Mr Albudaiwi explained that the organisation of the Manama Dialogue has focused on strengthening cooperation in addressing challenges and fostering a common understanding to uphold regional and international security and stability. This is particularly important given the current global developments across various fields, especially the grave violations being inflicted upon the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation forces.

Furthermore, His Excellency emphasised the significance of the Manama Dialogue in shedding light on and discussing the political and security issues that present a challenge to the security of the Middle East region. He also commended the exceptional preparation and organisation carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the IISS.