Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov held a press conference following the official talks in the presence of the delegations from the two countries.
Al Zayani expressed his happiness to visit Russia, noting its standing at the global level due to the importance of its key historical role over decades in strengthening international peace and security and ensuring global energy supplies.
He expressed his appreciation of the international standing of Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, which contributed to maintaining regional and international security and stability.
Al Zayani said he held constructive and fruitful talks with the Russian minister characterized by frankness and clarity, during which they reviewed cooperation.
The two sides stressed the need to continue joint efforts to develop bilateral cooperation and mutual coordination in various fields to achieve the aspirations of the two countries.
Al Zayani added that he exchanged with his Russian counterpart views on the latest regional and international developments, including the situation in Ukraine.
He said that he was briefed by the minister on the efforts being made through direct negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian sides to reach a ceasefire and a political settlement that ends the conflict between the two parties and meets the security requirements for all and maintains stability and peace in the region.
He also noted that the two sides discussed the political and security situation in the Middle East and the efforts being made to settle disputes and achieve peace, security, stability and prosperity for all its peoples.
He said the talks covered the Palestinian issue and the situation in Yemen in addition to the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Al Zayani added that he expressed concern over the progress of the negotiations and stressed the importance of the issue that relates to the security, safety and stability of the countries of the region, and the need for negotiations with Tehran to address Iran’s destabilizing practices in the region, its sponsorship of terrorism and sectarian militias, and the Iranian missile program.
Al Zayani affirmed Bahrain’s firm position towards the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter based on resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means to reach a comprehensive and lasting peace settlement in Ukraine.
The call for peace to prevail in the world is the approach and strategic option chosen by Bahrain, he said.
Al Zayani expressed Bahrain’s appreciation of Russia’s endeavor to resolve the dispute through dialogue and direct negotiations, assuring his Russian counterpart that peace-loving countries play a role in ending the conflict, because they are aware of the dangers of wars and the pain and destruction they cause.
We reject war and call for its end, and we hope that security, peace and stability will prevail in all countries of the world, he said.
He stressed the importance of working to overcome all obstacles to facilitate the opening of safe passages for civilians and provide them with protection, deliver humanitarian and relief aid to refugees and displaced persons, and alleviate the suffering of those affected, under the supervision of the United Nations and in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law.
He also stressed the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic solutions for a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Europe that achieves the good and prosperity of its countries and peoples, because achieving stability in Europe represents stability for the whole world.
Al Zayani called on all countries and international groups to play a constructive role to resolve the dispute, and to stay away from any steps that contribute to fueling the situation, escalation and further loss of life on both sides.
Lavrov welcomed the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Russian Federation and stressed that the discussions dealt with opening new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
He noted that it was agreed to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation on international issues, as views were exchanged on vital issues in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Lavrov added that there is a common position between the two sides on the need to strengthen international efforts aimed at launching direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations with the aim of settling the conflict peacefully, noting that the Russian Federation attaches great importance to Palestinian unity that would help advance settlement.
Lavrov welcomed the Saudi initiative to host the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations with the participation of all Yemeni parties, expressing his hope that a final solution to the Yemeni crisis will be reached.
He said that the situation in Ukraine was discussed and that views were exchanged on the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations.
Lavrov expressed appreciation of the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which was presented at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to make additional efforts for a peaceful settlement.
He noted that this initiative comes in the context of achieving comprehensive security in Europe, indicating that the current situation is not only related to the situation in Ukraine, but also to those foundations that should ensure security throughout Europe.
