Unemployment and soaring population rates are sowing the seeds of extremism and terrorism throughout the Middle East, leaders in Bahrain warned.
'The challenges posed by the region's rapidly growing population are well recognised and must be met if long-term internal security is to be maintained,' said Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
Unemployment and soaring population rates are sowing the seeds of extremism and terrorism throughout the Middle East, leaders in Bahrain warned.
'The challenges posed by the region's rapidly growing population are well recognised and must be met if long-term internal security is to be maintained,' said Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
'Failure to provide employment opportunities, infrastructure and social services to keep pace with growing population will fuel discontent and division and create an environment in which extremism and terrorism can take hold.'
Shaikh Khalid was speaking on the second day of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.The three-day event brings together all elements of the national security establishments from the countries in the region, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
They were joined by the key external powers Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK and the US.
Participants discussed the Gulf's relationship with the US and Asia yesterday as well as the issues of energy and maritime security, demographics, sectarianism and regional security perceptions.
Today’s session will include the situation in Iraq, Europe's role in the region and the future shape of regional security. The participants are also expected to issue conclusions.Shaikh Khalid said he hoped that Iran would play an active and constructive part in the Gulf and international security framework.
'Iran has its own legitimate concerns for regional security and its right under international law, including the right to the peaceful civilian use of nuclear energy,' he said, “But we must also recognise that there are issues that need to be resolved.
'Building a framework within which the concerns of all sides are satisfactorily addressed must be among our top priorities.
“The region should be able to attract talent and expertise from around the world, while ensuring that large expatriate populations do not displace local workforces.
'Bahrain is addressing these challenges through a comprehensive reform of its labour market in partnership with the private sector.'
