MANAMA, 26 July 2007 — The Crans Montana Forum (CMF), an international organization, has chosen Bahrain as its regional headquarters. The forum, which is the second of its kind after the World Economic Forum, will attract high-level decision-makers from around the globe to Bahrain.

The organization was officially registered in Bahrain recently, with Jean-Paul Carteron as chairman and Osama Al-Khajah as vice-chairman and managing director.

Its headquarters will be located at Almoayyed Tower in Seef. Bahrain was chosen as the forum’s headquarters for Middle East, Asia and Africa because of the country’s political stability and multi-cultural environment, Carteron told a press conference at Trader Vic’s.

“Bahrain has become a model for political development and we were also impressed with people’s lifestyle here,” he said.

“Established in Switzerland about 20 years ago, its offices were moved to Monaco in 1990, and we have just opened our second office in Bahrain. “We have been overwhelmed with the support given to the forum by Bahrain’s leaders.”

Al-Khajah said they met Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed ibn Mubarak Al-Khalifa, who said King Hamad was extremely happy with the decision of CMF to make Bahrain its second base.

“We also held talks with officials of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he added.

“The forum will provide a platform to discuss challenges of not only the economic sectors but also social sectors.

“Unlike the World Economic Forum, it will discuss issues relevant to Bahrain and the rest of the region.”

Al-Khajah said the first activity of the organization would be the “Homeland and Global Security Forum,” scheduled to be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Khalifa ibn Salman Al-Khalifa at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa from Nov. 19 to 22. “The event will be held in coordination with the Interior Ministry, and it will bring together high-level decision-makers from around the world,” he revealed.

“The second activity will be an exhibition on clean technology, scheduled for next year.

“This event, which will establish Bahrain as the capital of clean technology, will be held in coordination with the UN.”

Since its establishment, CMF has organized about 70 forums in different parts of the world.

Bahrain will also become the venue of the world summit of the forum within three years, said Al-Khajah.

The theme of the forum is “Committed to a more humane world.”

The forum works for the promotion of international cooperation and contributes to global growth while ensuring a high level of stability, equity and security, said Carteron.

“The aim is also to foster the best practices and ensure a global dialogue,” he added.

“The first CMF was dedicated to the political and economic reconstruction of the post Cold War Europe. It is now a world-renowned and unavoidable event which is on the agenda of every decision-maker caring for his responsibilities and the exceptional opportunities he can find there.”

The annual CMF takes place every year in June. It attracts about 700 to 1,200 participants, representing 100 to 120 countries and international organizations.

From 1989 to 2004, the CMF took place at the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans Montana.

For years, it has been an ideal place for international interaction and for “breaking the ice” of international relations.

Since 2005, the yearly session of CMF has been held in the Principality of Monaco.