Manama: In implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and in line with the outcomes of His Royal Highness’s official visit to Japan last September, which strengthened bilateral cooperation and reinforced the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Japan, the Royal Medical Services (RMS) of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Shonan Kamakura General Hospital.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the MoU represents a strategic step aimed at expanding healthcare cooperation, benefiting from the advanced medical expertise of leading Japanese institutions, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in accordance with the highest international standards.
The memorandum was signed on the sidelines of the official visit to Japan by Brigadier Doctor Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the RMS and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Overseas Treatment, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of Ahmed Mohammed Al Doseri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan.
The signing reflects the deep Bahraini-Japanese relations and the joint commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation and developing partnership frameworks in the health sector. The MoU aims to strengthen strategic cooperation between both sides across several key medical fields, including coordination of medical cases to improve the quality of healthcare and achieve optimal treatment outcomes for patients; implementation of specialised training and academic programmes to develop medical, nursing and technical competencies; exchange of visits and scientific expertise; cooperation in medical research and scientific development; and the organisation of specialised medical conferences and events. These areas of cooperation support innovation and sustainable development within the healthcare sector.
Brigadier Doctor Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa affirmed that signing the memorandum represents an important step in developing the RMS’ international partnerships and reflects its commitment to strengthening its institutional presence regionally and internationally. He noted that the agreement embodies the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, as well as the follow-up of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF.
He added that cooperation with established Japanese medical institutions creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, transfer of expertise, and development of human and technical capabilities. It also supports sustainable development efforts and enhances coordination mechanisms in overseas treatment programmes in line with best international practices and standards, with a positive impact on the quality of healthcare services provided.
For his part, Ambassador Al Doseri affirmed that the signing of the MoU reflects the longstanding historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Japan and the continued development of their strategic partnership. He noted that cooperation in the health sector represents a key pillar of bilateral relations due to its humanitarian and developmental dimensions, adding that the agreement enhances institutional integration and opens broader prospects for strengthening sustainable cooperation between both sides.
This cooperation underscores the importance of international partnerships in supporting medical advancement and developing healthcare systems, reinforcing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as an active partner in international health cooperation.