13 December 2008: KUNA
By Abdulhakim Al-Rifai
MANAMA, Dec 13 (KUNA) -- The security of the Gulf region is vital for global stability, given the dynamic nature of the area, which is why it is a priority in policies of great powers, said Kuwait's Ambassador to the UK Khalid Al-Duwaisan on Saturday.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the "Manama Dialogue" conference, he said the emphasis given to this region was evident in the presence of participants from the East and West at this gathering.
"Given the fact that the Gulf region has witnessed three devastating wars that had an impact on other countries in one way or another, the international community is keen at present to place a comprehensive international vision, and not a regional one, when it comes to maintaining the security of the Gulf," he explained.
He added that Gulf states could not work in isolation was affected by global events, noting that Gulf states sat on two thirds of the world's oil reserves, which he described as the lifeline of the world's economy.
Al-Duwaisan said that such a conference would no doubt help participants to reach formulas for regional peace and security.
On his part, Kuwait's Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah said that security, in all its forms, was a "concern" for Gulf states, which was why it needed to be highlighted.
He underscored the vital issues discussed by conferees here, including the concept of security from the military, economic, demographic and environmental points of view.
Participating in the two-day conference, which kicked off yesterday, are 20 delegations from countries of the GCC, Middle East, NATO and the EU.
