WASHINGTON — The declaration supporting peace signed by Bahrain with Israel is a historic move toward establishing peace in the Middle East and a brave exceptional step to enhance regional security and stability, while preserving the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani has said.

Al-Zayani praised the vision of Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution, which Bahrain affirms its commitment to it as one of the pillars of its foreign policy.

"We appreciate the historic roles played by the US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that they are strategic roles that would contribute to maintaining international peace and security."

The foreign minister stated that this historic step emanates from the long legacy of a cohesive society of the Kingdom of Bahrain where all religions have coexisted side by side since ancient times and affirmed that Bahrain would remain a cradle and home for peace and harmony as it used to be throughout history where the Jewish citizens make an authentic and active component of the local society.

He stressed the importance of coexistence as one of the fundamentals of Bahrain’s policy and renewed the kingdom’s commitment to the principle of good neighborliness with all regional countries without exception for a stable and prosperous future in the Arabian Gulf, the Middle East, and the world.

"Bahrain looks forward to the declaration supporting peace to lead to the establishment of relations with the State of Israel in various fields, based on the principles of international relations, foremost among which is mutual respect and common interests."

Dr. Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to its national responsibilities towards the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League, and all brothers and partners from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as its policy aimed to bring peace and stability to the region.

He expressed his sincere congratulations to the government and people of the sisterly United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the signing of the joint peace accord with the State of Israel, hoping that these strategic agreements would enhance peace, security, and stability. — BNA