London: At the conclusion of the second session of the Bahrain-UK Strategic Dialogue, held on November 24 at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, a joint statement was released highlighting the outcomes and future directions of the bilateral partnership. Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, and Hamish Falconer, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, met with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ministers emphasized the robust Bahrain-UK strategic partnership, focusing on shared values, mutual interests, and enduring ties between the peoples of both nations. The dialogue reviewed the outcomes of the official visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, earlier in June 2025. This visit included the signing of the second Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership, which commits an additional £2 billion of investment into the UK.
Both parties welcomed the UK's accession to the Comprehensive Security, Integration and Prosperity Agreement and the signing of a new Defence Cooperation Agreement, recognizing their importance in enhancing regional security cooperation. They noted the significance of the first trilateral C-SIPA Defence Working Group between the UK, Bahrain, and the United States, which aims to explore future cooperation areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and air defence. The UK will host the next Working Group in 2026.
The ministers highlighted the importance of promoting mutual growth and security, focusing on areas such as the green transition, advanced industries, cybersecurity, and tourism. They also reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on the United Kingdom-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, emphasizing the strong economic ties between the UK and the GCC.
In anticipation of Bahrain's upcoming membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, the ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in support of international peace, security, and the multilateral system. They agreed to closely coordinate on Security Council matters and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect.
The dialogue also covered pressing regional and international issues. Regarding the crisis in Gaza, the ministers welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2803, endorsed US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, and stressed the need for immediate humanitarian access. They reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution for Palestinians and Israelis.
On Ukraine, the ministers underscored the importance of a just and sustainable peace in line with the UN Charter and agreed to support efforts to mitigate the war's global impacts. Concerning Sudan, they discussed the recent violence in Darfur and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and safe humanitarian access.
The ministers expressed appreciation for the progress in bilateral relations and confirmed their commitment to ongoing high-level engagement to advance shared strategic interests.