Manama:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Bahrain. He highlighted the visit as a pivotal moment in the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The partnership is built on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, with a commitment to ensuring a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous future.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Bahrain, Dr. Al Zayani praised the outcomes of the successful summit, which demonstrated the commitment of both countries to expand their strategic partnership. This includes implementing existing agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas such as defense, security, and energy. Notably, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, aiming to develop and sustain the necessary skills and expertise for a civilian nuclear program.
The Foreign Minister applauded His Majesty the King's decision to award the Collar of the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa- Exceptional Class to President Macron. This honor recognizes Macron's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support regional and international peace and security. Dr. Al Zayani also acknowledged France's solidarity with Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in safeguarding their sovereignty and stability, as well as its support for just Arab causes and humanitarian values.
Dr. Al Zayani commended France's essential role under President Macron in enhancing regional and international security, particularly in collaboration with the United States and other allied countries. He highlighted France's support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817, condemning Iranian attacks against Bahrain and other GCC states, and its rejection of Houthi terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia. France's efforts to protect vital waterways and ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law were also noted.
The Minister stressed Bahrain's dedication to closer coordination with France on regional and international issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. This cooperation is vital, considering both countries' membership in the UN Security Council, Bahrain's current presidency of the GCC Ministerial Council, and France's role in the European Union.
Dr. Al Zayani concluded that the summit aligns with the vision of His Majesty the King and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The outcomes provide new opportunities for substantive joint programs and projects that advance the aspirations of both nations and their citizens, promoting security, peace, coexistence, and sustainable prosperity.