New York: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended a meeting organised by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations with the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), in support of Bahrain's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. The elections are scheduled to take place during the UN General Assembly in June.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Zayani noted that since joining the United Nations more than five decades ago, the Kingdom of Bahrain has upheld a consistent commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He noted that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has pursued a balanced foreign policy grounded in peace, coexistence, and mutual respect.
He highlighted that Bahrain's campaign, under the theme 'Building Bridges of Peace for the Present and Future,' reflects the Kingdom's commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation in pursuit of global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Dr. Al Zayani underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain's appreciation for the responsibilities entrusted to members of the United Nations Security Council. He emphasised the importance of securing international peace and security through effective cooperation and comprehensive, just solutions.
He highlighted Bahrain's longstanding ties with Latin American and Caribbean nations, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing these partnerships, rooted in shared historical and cultural bonds between the Arab and Latin American peoples.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the firm positions adopted by GRULAC member states in support of Arab regional causes.
The Minister emphasised Bahrain's commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of both regions are represented within the Security Council. He noted the importance of collective efforts to advance political solutions grounded in diplomacy and regional cooperation, while upholding non-interference, respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and strengthening support for humanitarian action.
He also underscored the importance of joint action in addressing security, social, and economic challenges.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that Bahrain's priorities during its anticipated term would focus on advancing peace and stability, promoting dialogue and coexistence, and tackling the underlying causes of conflict and instability to support prevention, resolution, and long-term development.
He underscored Bahrain's commitment to upholding international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to mobilising global support for effective humanitarian action. This includes civilian protection, collective efforts to confront transnational challenges, such as combating terrorism and extremism, securing cyberspace, ensuring maritime safety and security, bridging the digital divide, and addressing the risks associated with information and communication technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Minister noted that Bahrain will also work to build broader consensus on climate action within the Security Council.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasised Bahrain's commitment to advancing the United Nations Women, Peace and Security agenda and to highlighting the role of youth as agents of innovation, development, and conflict prevention.
He noted that the Kingdom, in its capacity as Coordinator of the Arab Group, will support ongoing efforts to reform the Security Council through the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework. He underscored Bahrain's commitment to strengthening ties with regional organisations and to advancing multilateralism to achieve common goals.