(MENAFN)Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa pointed out the importance of having a dialogue to resolve differences and mediate peace.

"Individual nations can have the most formidable armed forces and the most impressive intelligence services, but it is only through dialogue that we can understand one another better, resolve our differences and forge the path to lasting security," King Hamad stated in an international security conference held annually in the Bahraini capital.

"For the past 13 years Bahrain has been proud to host the Manama Dialogue, bringing together leading policymakers from the Middle East and beyond. We do so in the belief that ultimately, dialogue is the answer to the challenges we face," he said.

"We meet at a time when discussion and dialogue are needed more than ever. The Middle East faces challenges which are profound and wide-reaching, from the fallout of the conflicts in the Middle East to cyber warfare and piracy to extremism and terrorism." he concluded.

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