Manama:The 22nd IISS Manama Dialogue 2026, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continued into its second day. This event saw participation from ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and national security, alongside officials and experts from various sectors globally.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the second day featured four plenary sessions focusing on regional and international security and strategic issues. These sessions covered topics such as the implications of regional conflicts, the foundations of Middle East security and stability, the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean, and future defense doctrines and deterrence strategies.
The first plenary session, titled 'The Implications of Transformational Regional Conflict,' included speakers such as Dr. Badr Abdelatty from Egypt, Waleed Elkhereiji from Saudi Arabia, and Stephen Doughty from the UK. It was chaired by Dr. Bastian Giegerich of IISS and examined the impact of regional developments on the political and security landscape in the Middle East.
The second session, 'The Foundations of Regional Security,' featured Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi of the GCC, Dr. Asaad Al Shaibani of Syria, and Dr. Afrah Al Zouba of Yemen. Chaired by Lord Mark Sedwill, this session discussed establishing a stable regional security framework and enhancing regional cooperation.
In the third session, 'Defence, Resilience and Deterrence Pathways for Defence Doctrine,' Dr. Nils Schmid, General Onno Eichelsheim, Outi Holopainen, and Qasim Al Aboudi discussed defense concepts amid changing security conditions. This session was also chaired by Dr. Bastian Giegerich.
A special plenary session titled 'The Eastern Mediterranean Continental Crossroads and Bridge to the Gulf' was held, with participation from Youssef Rajji of Lebanon, Musa Kulaklikaya of Trkiye, and Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari of the UNDP. Chaired by Lord Mark Sedwill, it focused on the geopolitical significance of the Eastern Mediterranean.
These sessions form part of the IISS Manama Dialogue's efforts to promote dialogue and discussions on major security and strategic issues, fostering exchange among decision-makers and experts on regional and international security and stability.