27-05-2025
From Manama to ASEAN: HRH Prince Salman bolsters Thai, Malaysian ties
• Leaders discuss economic ties
• Focus on ASEAN-GCC summits
• Visit includes Malaysia talks
You Know What:
Thailand was the first Southeast Asian country to establish formal diplomatic ties with Bahrain in 1977, a partnership that has steadily grown through trade and tourism.
Mahir Haneef
TDT| Manama
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reinforced Bahrain's strategic engagement in Southeast Asia on Monday during his official visit to Malaysia, where he also met with the Prime Minister of Thailand on the sidelines of the ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China Summits.
Diplomatic push
Meeting with Her Excellency Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, HRH Prince Salman emphasised the Kingdom's strong and expanding ties with Thailand. Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and reviewed opportunities to deepen coordination across economic and development sectors.
HRH underlined the importance of elevating Bahraini-Thai collaboration, stating that joint efforts will help unlock new opportunities for growth that serve the mutual aspirations of both nations.
The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and international issues, exploring avenues for broader strategic alignment in a rapidly evolving global context.
Summit participation
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister is leading Bahrain's delegation at the ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, held this week in Malaysia. The meetings aim to foster stronger links between Gulf and Southeast Asian nations, particularly in trade, sustainable development, and security.
HRH highlighted the summits as pivotal platforms for sharing expertise and promoting regional collaboration, which he said is critical to unlocking new prospects for sustainable growth and stability.
High-level delegation
Travelling on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman was received upon arrival in Malaysia by Yang Berhormat Senator Dato' Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambry bin Abdul Kadir, Malaysia's Minister of Higher Education.
The Crown Prince is accompanied by a senior delegation that includes His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, H.E. Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, and H.E. Colonel Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HRH is also expected to meet with senior Malaysian officials during the official visit, with both sides looking to expand cooperation in multiple sectors. HRH Prince Salman's engagements this week signal a renewed diplomatic momentum in Bahrain's relations with key Asian partners.
