33rd Arab Summit Begins in Manama //1//

After receiving the presidency of the summit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delivered a speech calling for an international conference for peace in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of achieving a final and just peace in the region, "as there is no alternative if we seek victory for our human will in the battle for peace." He explained that amid the continuing risks surrounding Arab national security, the responsibility to protect the common Arab march increases, and to open a new page of stability and development that brings closer legitimate aspirations as a cultural force capable of understanding the requirements of the era and keeping pace with its progress. He stressed that in light of the denial of Palestinian people's legitimate rights to security, freedom, and self-determination, there is a growing need to crystallize a common and urgent Arab and international position that adopts the path of dialogue and collective solidarity to stop t he bloodshed. He said that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state will, no doubt, bring good to the entire Arab neighborhood to overcome its crises and to join hands for escalating developmental construction, in support of all Palestinian brothers. He also considered that the way to achieve this is through the approach of reconciliation and serious political dialogue. The Bahraini monarch pointed out that the convening of this summit coincides with the international celebration of the International Day of Living Together in Peace, highlighting that embodying this civilizational value requires, first and foremost, consensus on adopting peace as an indispensable strategic choice. In his speech, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed hope that the consultations and decisions would contribute to a re-foundation of a flourishing present and a bright future deserving of future generations, and that this summit would mark a historical turning point in the Arab construction journey. Source: Qatar News Agency