15 December 2008: Gulf Daily News
THE fifth Manama Dialogue was hailed a success by organisers yesterday.
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) director-general and chief executive Dr John Chipman said it had made a valuable contribution to improving security and strengthening ties between the participating countries.
"Greater efforts are and will be made by key states in the region, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, to develop accountable and effective armed forces of their own," he said as he officially closed the three-day summit, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.
"The establishment of numerous training centres in other countries could also facilitate the development of a more multi-lateral defence co-operation and integration.
"I want to thank Bahrain for its gracious and generous support for the Manama Dialogue process and for the effective partnership we have formed in developing the basis for stronger regional defence diplomacy."
The conference attracted prime ministers, national security advisers, intelligence and military chiefs and delegations from 25 countries.
"The IISS will begin working (immediately) with all the states in the region and key outsiders to help build the basis of the most high-level Manama Dialogue yet in 2009," added Dr Chipman.
