Bahrain Elected to UN Security Council for 2024-2025 Term
Bahrain joins Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024.
On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly elected Bahrain, along with Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia, to the Security Council for two-year terms commencing January 1, 2024. Bahrain received 186 votes from the assembly, while the DRC obtained 183, Liberia secured 181, Colombia gained 180, and Latvia received 178 votes.
All five countries ran uncontested in their respective regional groups but were required to garner support from more than two-thirds of the assembly.
This will mark Bahrain's second term on the Security Council.
Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, described the vote as a reflection of "unwavering trust and confidence" in the nation’s diplomatic initiatives.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that the election underscores Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing international peace and security, emphasizing the country’s intention to be a proactive contributor in these realms.
As the Arab representative on the Security Council, Bahrain's election is expected to bring attention to pressing issues in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Dr. Al Zayani indicated that the Israeli-Palestinian issue will be a significant part of Bahrain’s agenda during its term, as diplomatic efforts surrounding Palestinian statehood intensify.
He articulated an immediate focus on achieving a ceasefire and facilitating a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza, alongside the release of hostages taken from Israel beginning on October 7, 2023. Additionally, he reiterated the need for progress towards a two-state solution that would result in a viable state of Palestine.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain’s diplomatic endeavors aimed at increasing the number of countries recognizing Palestine and expressed hopes for successful dialogue leading to conferences focused on peace in the region.
He also extended support for an upcoming peace conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, expressing optimism about a unified global approach to achieving a peaceful, political resolution to the conflict.
Bahrain normalized its relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords and has continuously advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza alongside the pursuit of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UN Security Council remains the only UN body empowered to enact legally binding measures, such as the imposition of sanctions and the authorization of military force.
Its five permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States—retain veto power over the council's decisions.
Bahrain and the other newly elected members will succeed Algeria, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Guyana, and Slovenia when their terms conclude at the end of 2025.
In a separate session, the UN General Assembly elected Annalena Baerbock, former German foreign minister, as president for its 80th session, set to begin in September 2024.
All five countries ran uncontested in their respective regional groups but were required to garner support from more than two-thirds of the assembly.
This will mark Bahrain's second term on the Security Council.
Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, described the vote as a reflection of "unwavering trust and confidence" in the nation’s diplomatic initiatives.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that the election underscores Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing international peace and security, emphasizing the country’s intention to be a proactive contributor in these realms.
As the Arab representative on the Security Council, Bahrain's election is expected to bring attention to pressing issues in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Dr. Al Zayani indicated that the Israeli-Palestinian issue will be a significant part of Bahrain’s agenda during its term, as diplomatic efforts surrounding Palestinian statehood intensify.
He articulated an immediate focus on achieving a ceasefire and facilitating a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza, alongside the release of hostages taken from Israel beginning on October 7, 2023. Additionally, he reiterated the need for progress towards a two-state solution that would result in a viable state of Palestine.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain’s diplomatic endeavors aimed at increasing the number of countries recognizing Palestine and expressed hopes for successful dialogue leading to conferences focused on peace in the region.
He also extended support for an upcoming peace conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, expressing optimism about a unified global approach to achieving a peaceful, political resolution to the conflict.
Bahrain normalized its relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords and has continuously advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza alongside the pursuit of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UN Security Council remains the only UN body empowered to enact legally binding measures, such as the imposition of sanctions and the authorization of military force.
Its five permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States—retain veto power over the council's decisions.
Bahrain and the other newly elected members will succeed Algeria, Sierra Leone, South Korea, Guyana, and Slovenia when their terms conclude at the end of 2025.
In a separate session, the UN General Assembly elected Annalena Baerbock, former German foreign minister, as president for its 80th session, set to begin in September 2024.
Translation:
Translated by AI