Manama:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the significance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's recent visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit included a meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. This meeting reaffirmed the strong ties, strategic partnership, and shared destiny between the two nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the visit demonstrated both countries' dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation through the Bahrain-Saudi Coordination Council, with a focus on political, economic, investment, and development areas.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed Bahrain's gratitude for Saudi Arabia's enduring support in ensuring Bahrain's security, stability, and development. He reiterated Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, especially in safeguarding its sovereignty and security against repeated terrorist Houthi attacks, emphasizing that Saudi security is integral to Bahrain's national security.
The partnership's role in regional and international security was also emphasized, particularly with Bahrain's upcoming role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 and Saudi Arabia's influential regional and international position. Dr. Al Zayani stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to peacefully resolve conflicts, protect maritime security and shipping lanes, ensure freedom of navigation, and secure international trade and energy supplies.
Moreover, Dr. Al Zayani pointed out the commitment of both countries to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) integration, which includes closer defense and security collaboration and stronger economic ties. He mentioned the GCC railway project, recently agreed upon in Manama, as a pivotal step towards enhancing regional connectivity, trade, and mobility.
He concluded by noting that the visit and the discussions held were indicative of the close relations and solidarity between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, their shared commitment to Gulf unity and joint Arab initiatives, and their determination to expand international cooperation in support of peace, stability, and sustainable development.