Bahrain’s FM: Manama workshop not a step toward normalizing ties with Israel

Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa affirmed Manama’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, pointing out that theManama workshopwas not a step toward normalizing relations with Israel.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed said: “We have not yet heard of any political plan for peace,” explaining that “the Palestinian Authority has a view that we respect and it respects our position.”

Regarding what was dubbed “the deal of the century,” the Bahraini FM said: “the deal will be between two parties and we do not know anything about the so-called deal of the century.”

He pointed out that the steps of normalization of relations were by raising the flag and opening the borders.

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed said: “I spoke to the Israeli media to convey our position directly to its people.”

As to the escalation between the United States and Iran, the Bahraini Foreign Minister said: “We appreciate the American position not to be drawn into a military confrontation sought by Iran,” stressing that the Islamic Republic would be responsible for any confrontation or military escalation in the region.