Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Regional and GCC Affairs Waheed Mubarak Sayyar participated in the First Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-Japanese Political Dialogue at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdul Qader Messahel and his Japanese counterpart Tarō Kōno and attended by Arab foreign ministers, heads of delegations and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his statement on the theme of intercultural dialogue, Sayyar affirmed that Bahrain is one of the leading countries in advancing dialogue among cultures and civilizations, pointing out in this context to the award conferred by the Organization of Coexistence among Religions and Civilizations on His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The award was in appreciation of His Majesty's contribution and role in promoting meaningful dialogue between religions and cultures and of his efforts to advocate mutual respect among all peoples and communities, build confidence and mutual understanding and renounce hatred, he said.

Sayyar stressed Bahrain's firm stand in the rejection of terrorism and extremism in all forms and manifestations, regardless of the motives, reasons or origin.

He called on Iran to stop its provocative acts and interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain and the Arab countries, affirming that its behavior undermines mutual confidence and threatens security and stability in the region.

The dialogue aims to enhance cooperation between the Arab and Japanese sides as well as to discuss a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

Source:BNA