Manama Dialogue 2026 concludes with intensive discussions on international developments and strategic security challenges

The 22nd edition of the regional security forum “Manama Dialogue 2026,” organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in cooperation with the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concluded with high-level participation including foreign and defense ministers, senior political, military, and security officials, alongside a select group of experts and specialists from around the world.

The conference concluded on Sunday after three days of intensive discussions addressing the most prominent security and strategic issues and challenges, as well as regional and international developments, under this year’s theme: “Middle East Security: Interests, Alignments, and Integration,” according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The final day’s program featured three plenary sessions focusing on reconstruction and economic development, maritime security, and global security governance, with the aim of exploring ways to enhance international cooperation, consolidate security and stability, and address common challenges.

The last day began with a special recorded address by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The sessions were moderated by Dr. Bastian Giegerich, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the IISS.

This was followed by the fourth plenary session, titled “A New Economic Agenda: From Reconstruction and Development to Prosperity,” featuring Kobi Yasuhiro, Senior Secretary to the Cabinet and Deputy National Security Advisor of Japan; Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); Youssef Al-Dinawawi, Chairman of the Advisory Council to the Iraqi Prime Minister; and Donald Bloom, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

The conference also held its fifth plenary session, titled “Maritime Security at a Critical Juncture,” which discussed the growing challenges facing the security of international sea lanes, the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting global trade routes and energy supplies, and enhancing international coordination to address risks threatening maritime safety and supply chain stability.

The plenary sessions concluded with a session titled “Global Security Governance: Inclusiveness and Effectiveness,” featuring Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates; and Ararat Mirzoyan, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

The closing session addressed the importance of developing the global security governance system, enhancing the effectiveness of international institutions and mechanisms in responding to crises and common challenges, and exploring ways to broaden international participation in shaping security policies and strengthening multilateral dialogue and cooperation to support security and stability at both the regional and global levels.

The “Manama Dialogue 2026” conference reaffirms the Kingdom of Bahrain’s status as an international platform for strategic dialogue, bringing together decision-makers, experts, and specialists to discuss security and strategic issues, and to anticipate the prospects of international cooperation and the future of security and stability in the region and the world.