Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa made the comment during a talk to some 200 delegates attending a regional security summit organized by the International Institute of Strategic Studies in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Among the slew of personalities in attendance was U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Bahrain is a major U.S. ally in the region and home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

Ahmed al-Khalifa said the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are moving to develop that he believes will be an example to the rest of the world: "A peaceful, open and transparent nuclear program."

The group of six oil-rich nations is comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Bahraini minister said that the entire Middle East region is undergoing a socioeconomic transformation that is largely leaving behind traditional forms of realpolitik.

"The whole region is transitioning to more open societies alongside." But he warned of major hurdles ahead, such as a booming population that will eventually lead to high rates of unemployment and economic stagnation in future years.

Combined with growing trade and globalization, as well as with the flow of information and ideologies, "it is easy to see the Middle East the Middle East states quickly becoming more interdependent than ever before," said al-Khalifa.

The Bahraini minister asked: "Are we prepared, are we properly educated and are we ready to take on such a challenge?

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said that this new road to Gulf security "is contingent upon a Gulf where large regional powers coexist with their neighbors, in a mutually beneficial set of relationships."

Al-Khalifa said any solution should be based on "prosperity and respect rather than fear and domination."

The minister of foreign affairs said that events such as this meeting, dubbed the Manama Dialogue, will provide a vital forum where all states of the region, and beyond can develop a better understanding and trust of each other's positions and viewpoints.

"There should be no doubt that such pragmatism and dialogue are essential building blocks for the relationships required for future regional security."