Marrakech : Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division of the Kingdom of Bahrain, participated high level opening session of the fourth Marrakech Parliamentary Economic Forum for the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf region, held in Marrakech, the Kingdom of Morocco, from June 19 to 20. The forum is organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the House of Councillors of Morocco, in partnership with the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
He emphasised that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s foreign policy, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is founded on the belief that lasting security and peace are achieved through constructive cooperation and effective partnerships.
Al Musallam highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations with Mediterranean and European countries in a manner that supports stability, development, and shared interests. He noted that Bahrain recognises the close link between maritime security, economic stability, and freedom of navigation.
Al Musallam said economic and political affairs are closely interconnected and underscored the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and expanding Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf economic integration.
He said the security and stability of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Hormuz are essential to economic growth, noting the importance of joint parliamentary action in addressing economic and security challenges that extend beyond geographical borders.
Al Musallam called for deeper economic cooperation between Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf countries, describing it as a necessity to address common challenges and enhance growth and prosperity opportunities.
He stressed the importance of joint projects in renewable energy, electricity interconnection, securing maritime routes, and protecting critical infrastructure, noting that economic strength is the true guarantee of political sovereignty.
He said discussions on the security of the Mediterranean and the global economy cannot overlook the risks facing the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf. He noted that economic cooperation has become increasingly important amid current international developments, pointing out that more than 30% of global maritime trade passes through the Mediterranean, while over 20% of global oil and gas supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Musallam said the current developments in the region, particularly as a result of the Iranian aggression, require renewed attention to supply chain security and energy routes. He added that attacks on oil tankers, threats to maritime routes, and attempts to undermine stability in the Arabian Gulf represent not only a regional issue but also a direct threat to global economic security, increasing insurance costs and creating volatility in energy markets.
The Speaker called on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean to issue a clear statement condemning the Iranian aggression against international maritime security and rejecting any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that maritime security is a collective responsibility.
He also noted that Bahrain welcomed the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and Iran, which includes a framework for negotiations and a ceasefire, describing it as an important step towards de-escalation, confidence-building, and a comprehensive agreement that contributes to security, stability, and lasting peace in the Middle East and supports international peace and security.
Al Musallam reiterated Bahrain’s position calling on Iran to comply with its international obligations in accordance with international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, and to adhere to relevant international resolutions in a manner that guarantees freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways and ends activities that undermine regional stability.
He also emphasised Bahrain’s longstanding support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions, to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.
At the conclusion of his address, Al Musallam expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the forum and organising it at this important stage, noting that Morocco’s hosting of the event reflects its commitment to strengthening dialogue between the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf regions.
