He called for strenuous international efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.
But it can’t be attained without reaching a fair settlement to the decades-long Arab-Israeli conflict, said the King, in a speech to mark the International Day of Peace, being marked worldwide today.
He stressed the necessity to implement the UN resolutions and the pan-Arab peace initiative and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital.
His Majesty welcomed a five-point plan launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
He called on the international community to rid the Middle East of all WMD, particularly nuclear ones, for peace to prevail in this highly-strategic region of the world.
His Majesty also advocated co-operation between Arab countries and the international community in developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
"Peace is our sole strategic option to build a secure and stable world, to achieve prosperity, welfare, and sustained development for all peoples," said His Majesty.
He called for financial resources to be channelled into saving millions of human beings from the scourges of poverty, disease, famine and debt, instead of being squandered on wars, deadly conflicts and debts.
The King also deplored the tragic toll in precious human lives, a loss which can never be compensated.
Describing wars and conflicts as the arch-enemy of sustained development, His Majesty urged the international community to step up political and media efforts to spread the culture of peace, encourage dialogue between religions, cultures and civilisations and renounce hatred and racism.
Such an international effort, he said, would consolidate love, friendship and understanding between peoples and nations within the framework of mutual respect.
His Majesty vowed Bahrain’s unflinching support for international efforts to achieve peace and combat the scourge of terrorism which undermines world security and peace.
He stressed the need for the international community to emerge victorious in this fight for peace, to stop the haemorrhage of resources and energy.
"Winning this fight would also enable our countries to muster all our energy and mobilise all resources to achieve decent living conditions for our peoples," said the King.
He urged the international community and UN agencies to help underdeveloped countries meet their goals regarding peace, social and economic development, education and culture, in addition to promoting civil society.
This requires a substantial increase in aid packages, in addition to supplying them with expertise and technological know-how, said the King.
