The safety and security of Bahraini citizens are among the ministry’s top priorities, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa has said.
The ministry has always been keen to provide security, care and attention to all Bahraini citizens wherever they are and to ensure that their interests are well served, she added.
“The ministry has regularly endeavored to devote all efforts to safeguard the citizens’ rights and interests, to take care of them and to preserve their safety in Bahrain and abroad through the Kingdom's diplomatic missions in various countries,” Dr Shaikha Rana said during a Bahrain Radio interview.
The first undersecretary of a foreign ministry in the region said that the diplomatic accomplishments and the success of Bahrain’s foreign policy are national collective achievements that embody the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
She also stressed the end of stereotypes of women who have been able to give ample evidence that they are not only partners in the success stories, but also often the ones behind them.
“Bahrain today has become a model and an example of a globally open and civilized state that respects pluralism and that is tolerant of all people and is open to others. Bahrain’s leaders and citizens invariably lean towards peace, so diplomacy is a means to achieve a lasting peace,” she said.
Dr Shaikha Rana said that Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, is the lead supporter of women diplomats.
“Women all over the world have assumed high leadership positions and represented their countries brilliantly even though they have at the same time other demanding responsibilities as professionals, mothers and wives. Work is not an obstacle to women’s social life and vice versa. It is mainly a matter of prioritizing and balancing commitments and duties.”
DR Shaikha Rana added that future orientations revolve around the implementation of programs and strategies that serve further the interests of Bahrain and Bahraini citizens.
“This is in addition to reviewing and following-up on new projects related in a manner consistent with, and in line with, national government plans. We look forward to more cooperation, partnership and coordination with several parties in Bahrain and abroad.”
Regarding the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Shaikha Rana said that since the end of 2019, the world has witnessed the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted the ministry to form a committee to follow up on the status of citizens abroad and prepare for their safe repatriation in cooperation with the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus.
“We have been in constant contact with the diplomatic missions and consulates of the Kingdom of Bahrain abroad in order to follow up on citizens' status and their needs, especially since several citizens faced some difficulties in countries that imposed curfews as well as a shortage of supplies. Yet, thanks to the exerted efforts, we were able by Eid Al Fitr to repatriate 6,000 Bahraini citizens.”
Dr Shaikha Rana said that the percentage of Bahraini women diplomats in the Kingdom's embassies abroad has increased in recent years, which is strong evidence of the progress of national efforts in the field of women empowerment.
The tremendous support from HM King Hamad, HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa has led women to take up various leadership, diplomatic and decision-making positions, and to widen their horizons to play their role as partners with men in building the Bahrain that everyone aspires to see.”
Regarding the challenges in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr Shaikha Rana said: “Our challenges in light of the spread of the coronavirus are the pressure of time and the need to make quick and correct decisions. It is also very crucial when confronting crises to remain calm and not fear and panic while ensuring the availability of correct and complete information. It is always critical to anticipate the occurrence of the crisis and to be ready to face it by preparing and discussing solutions in advance.”
With regard to the celebration of “Women in the diplomatic field” as a theme for Bahraini Women Day, Dr. Shaikha Rana said: “Celebrating the role of Bahraini women in the diplomatic field aims to highlight success stories and their impact on the course of women's work in the diplomatic field. It also seeks to show opportunities and challenges to sustain the advancement of women, in addition to learning about international best practices to promote gender balance in the diplomatic field.”
“Bahraini Women Day 2020 will shed light on Bahraini women working in the diplomatic corps and families of diplomats. It is a great honor for us to have this year to highlight the achievements of Bahraini women in this field,” Dr Shaikha Rana said.
SOURCE: BAHRAIN NEWS AGENCY