Manama:Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, met with ministers responsible for Islamic affairs and endowments from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. This meeting, hosted by Bahrain, is part of its presidency of the 46th GCC session, marking the 12th such gathering of these ministers.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf. During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Bahrain's commitment to the values of moderation and tolerance rooted in Islam and Islamic Sharia objectives, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla underscored the essential role and shared responsibility of the GCC ministries and authorities in protecting Gulf societies and preserving their Islamic and Arab identity against intellectual and cultural challenges. This, he stated, is crucial for maintaining social cohesion and regional stability.
During the meeting, the ministers conveyed greetings from GCC leaders to Bahrain's King and Crown Prince. Shaikh Khalid reciprocated with greetings from Bahrain's leadership to the GCC leaders. He also reiterated Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting its measures to defend its sovereignty and security, and condemned Iranian-backed Houthi militia attacks as violations of international law and provocations against Muslims.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted the progress in GCC cooperation on Islamic affairs and endowments, advocating for increased exchanges of expertise and unified positions in international forums. He expressed optimism for the meeting's outcomes in advancing GCC collaboration.
The ministers thanked Bahrain for its hospitality and acknowledged the Deputy Prime Minister's dedication to enhancing GCC cooperation, especially in Islamic affairs and endowments.