Moscow: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as part of his visit to Russia. Lavrov highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries and peoples, commending the continued development of relations and the shared commitment to enhancing cooperation across domains of common interest.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the two countries marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, and Lavrov highlighted progress achieved in expanding cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian sectors. He underscored Russia's commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination with Bahrain and commended Bahrain's participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum with a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Finance and National Economy.
For his part, Dr. Al Zayani relayed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people, along with their wishes for Russia's continued progress and prosperity. The Foreign Minister commended the strong cooperation between the two countries and their shared commitment to further advancing ties in support of common interests and aspirations. He stressed the importance of continuing international efforts aimed at reducing tensions, respecting the sovereignty of states, ensuring freedom of navigation, and addressing crises through peaceful and diplomatic means.
Dr. Al Zayani also expressed appreciation for the existing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international forums, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and highlighted the importance of continuing consultation and joint action to support regional and international security and stability. The meeting discussed means to enhance bilateral cooperation and expand it in the economic, trade, and development domains, with the aim of advancing relations to serve the interests of both countries and peoples.
The two sides also discussed current regional developments, the repercussions of the Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the resulting loss of life and damage to civilian facilities and infrastructure, and the implications of restrictions on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on energy security, food supplies, and global trade. They reviewed regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and discussed support for Pakistani mediation efforts to reach an agreement that would end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation.
Both sides also discussed prospects for enhancing diplomatic coordination and consultation between the two countries in the UN Security Council through Bahrain's non-permanent membership for 2026-2027 and Russia's permanent membership, particularly regarding issues and challenges before the Council, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for the global economy and regional security and stability.
The meeting was attended by Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Saati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Russian Federation; Jamal Fares Al Rowaie, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York; Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaliq Saeed, Chief of Coordination and Follow-up at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Shaikha Al Anood bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Acting Chief of the European Affairs Sector; and the accompanying delegation.