Vatican city: In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's commitment to fostering ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Italian Republic was underscored during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Vatican City State and the Italian Republic. Several key agreements were signed between Bahrain and Italy during this visit.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreements, witnessed by HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and HE Mr. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, were signed in Rome, Italy. Among these, a Framework Collaboration Agreement was established, focusing on cooperation in investments, signed between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat) and Investindustrial. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, and Andrea Bonomi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Investindustrial.
Additionally, a bilateral banking partnership agreement was signed between the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Banco BPM, targeting trade and investment. This agreement was signed by Hala Yateem, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the NBB, and Massimo Tononi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Banco BPM S.p.A.
Furthermore, an agreement of the Italian-Bahraini Business Council was finalized to enhance bilateral cooperation and trade partnerships. This was signed by Mr. Khalid Rashid Al Zayani, Co-Chairman of the Italian-Bahraini Business Council on the Bahraini side, and Mr. Ignazio Moncada, Co-Chairman of the Italian-Bahraini Business Council on the Italian side.
These strategic agreements are intended to bolster the partnership between Bahrain and Italy by broadening cooperation avenues and fostering new economic and investment opportunities that align with the shared aspirations of both nations and contribute to their growth.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with several senior officials, were also present during the signing of these agreements.