“Since my last visit four years ago, Bahrain’s achievements have been remarkable. In difficult times for the world, you have been a voice of wisdom and a voice for engagement,” she said as she delivered the keynote speech at Manama Dialogue 2022.

The EU Chief stressed that Europe wants to strengthen its engagement with the region – both economically and in terms of security.

“Several Gulf countries have been warning for years about the risk that Iran feeds rogue nations around the world with drones.,” she said.

“It took us too long to understand a very simple fact that while we work to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, we must also focus on other forms of weapon proliferation, from drones to ballistic missiles. It is a security risk, not just for the Middle East but for us all.”

The world needs a stronger security architecture, against the spread of chaos, she added.

“We know this in Europe and it matters also here in the Gulf. Europe is willing to do its part. We want to strengthen our engagement with the region – both economically but also in terms of security. We want closer cooperation on maritime security – for instance to ensure safe shipping lanes,” von der Leyen said.

“Therefore, we will appoint a Special Representative to the Gulf. Let us join forces for our collective security. Let us join forces for our collective security.”

Held annually since 2004 in Bahrain, the Manama Dialogue enables leaders, ministers and policymakers from the Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia to gather together to discuss the most pressing regional security issues and to share policy responses.

The theme of the 2022 Manama Dialogue is ‘Rules and Competition in the Middle East’.

“At a time of significant challenges to the rules-based order, the Dialogue will provide a timely opportunity to examine their effect on interests, influence and values in the Middle East, and beyond.”