Athens: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, in Athens, during His Majesty's visit to the country. His Majesty highlighted the longstanding relations between Bahrain and Greece, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation to support the shared interests of both nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He noted the deep ties between the two nations, emphasizing their shared focus on maritime security, trade freedom, and regional stability, which are crucial for global energy security and supply chains.
His Majesty pointed out that both Bahrain and Greece are maritime nations, with Greece boasting one of the world's largest merchant fleets and Bahrain being a key player in the Arabian Gulf's maritime security. He stressed the importance of maintaining free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring that any maritime arrangements should align with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
His Majesty commended Greece for its principled stance on international law and the collaboration between their delegations during their time on the United Nations Security Council. The visit aims to strengthen ties in shipping, ports, investment, and defence, while bolstering Bahrain's relationship with the European Union for regional security and development.
His Majesty extended an invitation to HE Prime Minister Mitsotakis to visit Bahrain. In response, HE Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in shared investments. He reiterated Greece's support for Bahrain's security and territorial integrity amid recent regional developments.
The discussions covered bilateral cooperation in various sectors, with both leaders reviewing regional security and stability issues. They emphasized peaceful resolution of crises through dialogue and diplomacy, reinforcing their commitment to international law.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing cooperation across areas of mutual interest. HE Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honor of His Majesty, attended by senior officials from both countries.