MANAMA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain does not advocate a regime change in Iran and is open to work with its leaders, stated Bahraini Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on Saturday.

In his opening remarks at the 15th edition of the Manama Dialogue 2019, Shaikh Khalid said it is important for Tehran to work with its neighbours rather than having hostile policies.

"What we lack overall with Iran is trust," he said. "We look forward to working with the Islamic Republic on better terms."

He said the way forward is a better Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that would "stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and stop its missile programmes and halt its regional hegemony... But we do not advocate regime change."

Shaikh Khalid said Bahrain remains committed to fighting all forms of terrorism including proxy groups backed by Iran.

Bahrain cut all diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2016, citing the latter's interference in its domestic affairs.