Bahrain King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa reiterated his country's call for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital during his speech at the 75th UN General Assembly on Thursday. "The Kingdom of Bahrain calls for intensified efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the two-state solution. This is the cornerstone of a just and comprehensive peace. It should lead to the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative," the Bahraini king reiterated in his speech. "This would open an era of cooperation and good neighborliness to consolidate and promote common interests in the region," he added. King Hamad recalled in particular that the establishment of ties with Israel sent a message of openness to total peace, which is "the best guarantee for the future." He lauded the United Arab Emirates for normalizing ties with Israel, calling it a courageous step that will revive the hope of peace and stability in the region. "In reaching ‘historic peace agreement' with Israel, under the auspices and efforts of the United States, in exchange for stopping Israel's annexation of the Palestinian lands, the UAE has enhanced opportunities for peace, reduced tensions, and given the people of the region a new era of understanding, rapprochement and peaceful coexistence, while preserving its firm position on the Palestinian issue." He commended the US efforts in the accomplishment of the important strategic steps. The king of Bahrain was profuse in his appreciation of Saudi Arabia and its leadership for having played a pioneering role, not only in terms of laying the foundations for security and peace in the region and the world as a whole, in a manner that takes into account the interest of all parties. King Hamad lauded Saudi Arabia's remarkable and influential efforts made during its current presidency of the G20 to formulate a "new decade", in which the aspirations of the people of the world for prosperity and stability will be fulfilled. He said that his country will stand alongside Saudi Arabia on all positions and in all circumstances. He also extended Bahrain's full support to Egypt and its President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the efforts to consolidate regional security and stability. King Hamad hailed the Egyptian president for the latter's endeavors to achieve peace and to confront and resist foreign interference in Arab matters. He also asserted that his country "is respectful of its international obligations and plays its rightful role in ensuring peace throughout the world.
