Latest news with #Bahrain-UK
Daily Tribune
21-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain-UK agreement: What Happens Next?
TDT | Manama A day after the landmark Bahrain-UK defense agreement was signed, key strategic details are now emerging, outlining plans for deeper military coordination, stronger maritime security, and the United Kingdom's significant move into the Bahrain-USled Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement. The agreement, formalized during the official UK visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Deputy, Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, signals a further strengthening of the Kingdom's longstanding strategic relationship with Britain. It specifically highlights critical areas of future cooperation and mutual benefit. Maritime partnership His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defense Affairs, emphasized that maritime security has emerged as a central component of the agreement. Plans are in place for intensified naval exercises, coordinated joint patrol operations, and enhanced maritime surveillance involving Bahrain Defense Force and British armed forces personnel. 'The signing of this defense cooperation agreement is rooted in our distinguished partnership, continuously strengthened under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister,' stated Al Nuaimi. He noted that expanding maritime cooperation is essential to maintaining regional stability and addressing evolving security challenges in Gulf waters. Trilateral expansion Another critical dimension unveiled in the agreement is the UK's access to the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement, previously a bilateral arrangement between Bahrain and the United States. This significant strategic step positions the UK firmly within a trilateral security framework, broadening collaborative defense and security operations in the region. 'The United Kingdom's inclusion, based on invitations extended by Bahrain and the United States, will elevate our joint security coordination and open broader avenues of cooperation, enhancing the mutual security interests of our nations,' Al Nuaimi explained. Deep-rooted alliance The Defense Minister also underscored the historic depth of the Bahrain-UK relationship, recognizing Britain as one of Bahrain's most vital strategic allies. He credited the ongoing strength of this bilateral partnership to decades of effective military and strategic cooperation between the two countries. As Bahrain and the UK now transition from signing agreements to executing strategic plans, expectations are high for tangible results, particularly in maritime security, joint military training, and broader defense coordination.
Daily Tribune
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Defence Force Commander Hosts High-Level Meetings and Eid Greetings
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), held a series of official meetings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with senior government officials and military leaders at the BDF headquarters. In the first meeting, the Commander-in-Chief received His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, along with several senior BDF officers. The delegation extended heartfelt Eid Al-Adha greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, wishing him continued good health and happiness on the occasion. In response, Shaikh Khalifa warmly exchanged greetings and prayers, expressing his hope that this blessed occasion brings peace, blessings, and prosperity to all. In a separate meeting, the Commander-in-Chief welcomed His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy. Also present was His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor for Financial and Technical Affairs at the BDF. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the BDF and the Ministry of Finance, particularly in areas related to strategic coordination and resource management. BDF Chief praises Bahrain-UK ties during meeting with Kingdom's Ambassador to London Later in the day, Shaikh Khalifa received His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The Commander-in-Chief praised the Ambassador's efforts in strengthening Bahrain-UK relations, highlighting the importance of continued diplomatic cooperation across various sectors.
Daily Tribune
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Parliamentary Delegation Concludes Landmark Visit to the United Kingdom
His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of Bahrain's Parliament, concluded a successful official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit came at the invitation of the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, as part of a mutual drive to usher in a new era of parliamentary cooperation and shared progress between the two nations. The high-level delegation engaged in a series of strategic meetings and discussions focused on boosting parliamentary, political, and economic collaboration. Central to the visit was a pivotal dialogue between HE Al-Musallam and Sir Lindsay Hoyle, during which both parties agreed to embark on a renewed phase of bilateral parliamentary partnership. This includes the exchange of legislative expertise and the strengthening of institutional ties. HE Al-Musallam also extended a formal invitation to his British counterpart to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain in the near future, marking a potential milestone in legislative diplomacy. As part of Bahrain's broader vision for economic growth and international investment, the Speaker also held talks with Alderman Alastair King, Lord Mayor of the City of London. The meeting centered on enhancing financial cooperation and investment opportunities between Bahraini and British institutions, while also emphasizing the importance of evolving legislative frameworks that attract global capital and support sustainable economic growth. Furthering its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, the delegation met with the UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bahrain. Discussions explored regional and global developments, and both sides reaffirmed the importance of open dialogue in shaping stronger legislative cooperation. The meeting underscored the shared desire to build bridges between the two parliaments and contribute to a broader understanding of mutual interests. The visit also featured a reception hosted by Bahrain's Embassy in the UK, attended by Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as British officials. The gathering provided a platform to highlight Bahrain's role in promoting regional stability and development, while celebrating the strong bonds between both nations. HE Al-Musallam praised the efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and Bahrain's Ambassador to the UK, for his instrumental role in strengthening Bahrain-UK relations. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to advancing parliamentary dialogue with both Houses of the British Parliament to serve shared interests and support regional peace and sustainable development. The Bahraini parliamentary delegation included: MP Abdulnabi Salman Nasser, First Deputy Speaker MP Hassan Eid Bukhamas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Deputy Chair of the same committee MP Zainab Abdulameer Khalil MP Maryam Saleh Al-Dhaen MP Dr. Hesham Ahmed Al Ashiri Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the Council of Representatives The visit marks a renewed commitment to stronger bilateral ties, laying the groundwork for future cooperation that reflects the enduring friendship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom — a partnership warmly supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Charles III.
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and UK Strengthen Strategic Ties Through Parliamentary Cooperation
Speaker Al Musallam Reaffirms Support During Meeting with British Ambassador Speaker of the Council of Representatives, His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, has reiterated Bahrain's parliamentary commitment to enhancing the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the deep-rooted ties and growing cooperation across all sectors, made possible by the continuous dedication of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth. Expanding Bilateral Cooperation Speaker Al Musallam highlighted the House of Representatives' keen interest in advancing collaboration in all developmental sectors. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with the UK House of Commons to realize mutual goals and serve the shared interests of both nations and their peoples. His remarks came during an official meeting this morning with His Excellency Alastair Long, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Bahrain. British Ambassador Commends Bahrain's Role Ambassador Long expressed his appreciation for the remarkable progress in Bahrain-UK relations, noting the fruitful coordination and cooperation in various fields. He praised Bahrain's significant role in supporting peace efforts and contributing to sustainable development goals in the region. The ambassador also acknowledged the positive and active role of Bahrain's Council of Representatives in strengthening parliamentary ties between the two friendly countries.
Daily Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Cabinet Commends GCC-US Summit and Celebrates Diplomatic Achievements in Weekly Meeting
His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the weekly Cabinet session today at Gudaibiya Palace, where a number of regional developments, diplomatic engagements, and national matters were discussed and commended. At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet lauded the address of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the GCC-US Summit held recently in Riyadh, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Cabinet also praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful hosting of the summit under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring Saudi Arabia's significant role in promoting investment, peace, and regional stability. Highlighting the strategic importance of the GCC-US partnership, the Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the summit as presented in a report by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The partnership was commended for advancing diplomatic cooperation and regional development. The Cabinet also recognized His Majesty King Hamad's recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the horse races sponsored by Bahrain. The importance of His Majesty's meeting with King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, was emphasized, along with the presence of HRH Prince Salman at the prestigious equestrian event, reflecting the enduring Bahrain-UK bilateral ties. In a tribute to the nation's passion for equestrian sports, the Cabinet praised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his leadership in promoting endurance sports, further solidifying Bahrain's status in the international equestrian community. Marking the 44th anniversary of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Cabinet extended heartfelt congratulations to HM the King and fellow GCC leaders, celebrating the Council's accomplishments and its role in strengthening Gulf unity over the decades. The Cabinet also extended congratulations to President Ahmed Al Sharaa of Syria, following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions on Syria, attributing the move to diplomatic efforts led by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Appreciation was expressed for the 'Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development' forum organized by the Shura Council, highlighting strong collaboration between Bahrain's Executive and Legislative Authorities, in line with the national development goals championed by HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Cabinet also reviewed and approved key memorandums, including: A memorandum by the Minister of Interior reporting that Bahrain's population reached 1,594,654 by the end of 2024. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on government responses to proposals and draft laws from the Council of Representatives. A memorandum by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, approving the Education and Training Quality Authority's reports. A memorandum by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, reviewing court performance and enforcement statistics from 2023–2024. In addition, the Cabinet noted several ministerial reports on Bahrain's participation in regional and international events, including: The 34th Arab Summit and 5th Economic and Social Development Summit Official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan to Bahrain The 28th GCC Ministers of Municipal Affairs meeting Official visit of the Minister of Justice to France The 28th GCC Ministers of Information meeting and the 20th Arab Media Forum The meeting concluded with affirmations of Bahrain's commitment to diplomatic engagement, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
