Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain signed a Host Country Agreement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), marking a significant milestone as the first Arab and Middle Eastern country to host a representative office of the PCA. The PCA, established in 1899, is headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreement was signed on behalf of Bahrain by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, and on behalf of the PCA by Dr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of the PCA. This agreement facilitates the establishment of a PCA office in Bahrain, which will oversee international dispute resolution proceedings, including arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and fact-finding. It also outlines the privileges and immunities applicable to the PCA, its assets, personnel, and participants in proceedings.
Minister Al Maawda emphasized that the agreement highlights Bahrain's international standing in arbitration. As a signatory to the 1907 Hague Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, Bahrain's selection to host the PCA underscores its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and active participation in international legal frameworks. He mentioned that the invitation from the PCA Secretary-General for Bahrain to serve as a host country further strengthens the Kingdom's role in international legal mechanisms.
The PCA manages a variety of disputes involving states, state entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties, focusing on issues related to sovereignty, boundaries, and investment, the Minister noted.
Professor Marike Paulsson, Secretary General for the Council for International Dispute Resolution of the Kingdom of Bahrain, underscored the agreement's significance in fostering cooperation between the PCA and Bahrain. She pointed out that the PCA Secretary General's visit paves the way for collaborative efforts in the field of international dispute resolution.
Bahrain's hosting of the PCA office is anticipated to enhance its status as a regional and international hub for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, aligning with Bahrain's economic vision to boost global competitiveness by adopting best practices in commercial and investment arbitration.