Latest news with #bilateralcooperation
LBCI
2 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, King Tells President Aoun
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced his country's decision to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut during a meeting with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun. The king expressed pride in the move and said he looked forward to the talks with the Lebanese side marking a new phase of productive bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. For his part, President Aoun thanked King Hamad for the decision and affirmed Lebanon's desire to resume full trade relations with Bahrain and strengthen cooperation across various fields for the benefit of both peoples. He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception and continued support Lebanon has received from Bahrain, both before and after the visit.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun visits Bahrain as Gulf diplomatic reset continues
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, the latest stop in Beirut's push to repair and deepen ties with Gulf Arab states. Mr Aoun, accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, is expected to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral co-operation, particularly in political, economic and cultural sectors, the Lebanese presidency said. On arrival, Mr Aoun said he was looking forward to 'productive meetings' with the Bahraini leadership to explore avenues for bilateral collaboration, and to exchange views on regional and international development. ' Lebanon values its rooted ties with Bahrain … and we are working together in a spirit that serves the interests of our peoples amid the region's complex challenges,' he said. Since taking office in January, Mr Aoun has placed rebuilding Lebanon's relationships with Gulf countries at the centre of his foreign policy agenda. The former army chief, elected after more than two years of a presidential vacuum, wasted no time in launching a diplomatic charm offensive. His first overseas trip was to Saudi Arabia. He has also visited the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Mr Rajji called on the country to reopen its embassy in Beirut, in an interview with Bahraini daily newspaper Al Ayyam, after Bahrain's ambassador to Lebanon Wahid Mubarak Sayyar had said it was preparing to do so and that work was under way to appoint a resident ambassador. Bahrain was among several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, that withdrew their ambassadors from Beirut in October 2021 following remarks by then information minister George Kordahi, who criticised the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. His comments triggered a diplomatic crisis, reflecting deeper Gulf concerns over Iran's growing influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite movement that wields military and political power. Relations remained strained for years. But Gulf engagement has gradually resumed in the aftermath of the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which concluded in November. The Iran-backed group was severely weakened by the war. Israel's military campaign destroyed much of Hezbollah's infrastructure, infiltrated its security network and eliminated the group's leader and senior commanders. Lebanon now is under international pressure to disarm Hezbollah. The US ties reconstruction aid and a halt to Israeli army operations to the group's full disarmament around the country. Battered by war and economic collapse, the country is in urgent need of Arab and international support to begin reconstruction and revive its shattered economy. As part of the broader thaw, the UAE and Kuwait lifted travel bans on Lebanon, allowing their citizens to return after years of absence. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have agreed to examine obstacles preventing the resumption of Lebanese exports to the kingdom and are exploring the possibility of restoring travel access for Saudi citizen to Beirut.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
New Bangladeshi High-Commissioner Presents Credentials to President Ramkalawan
His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad, the newly appointed High Commissioner designate of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, formally presented his letters of credence to President Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremonial reception at State House this morning. President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to High Commissioner Ahad upon his appointment, acknowledging the enduring diplomatic partnership between Seychelles and Bangladesh that has flourished and strengthened over four decades of sustained collaboration. On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, the Head of State conveyed the country's deepest condolences and solidarity to the People and Government of Bangladesh following the tragic plane crash. 'Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected during this difficult time. Seychelles stands with Bangladesh in this moment of sorrow.' His Excellency Ahad expressed profound honour and appreciation for his new diplomatic role, conveying the warm felicitations and best wishes of His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, to the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles. Discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening existing frameworks of cooperation across key strategic sectors, including agriculture, climate change mitigation, fisheries development, tourism, and marine security. Both dignitaries also explored innovative avenues for collaboration aimed at further enhancing the longstanding and robust bilateral partnership between the two island nations. Addressing members of the press following the accreditation ceremony, High Commissioner Ahad underscored the unwavering commitment of both governments to deepening and diversifying their bilateral relationship across multiple sectors of mutual strategic interest and benefit. The Republic of Seychelles and the People's Republic of Bangladesh established formal diplomatic relations in February 1983, marking over four decades of sustained cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding. His Excellency Mr. Zokey Ahad succeeds his distinguished predecessor, Her Excellency Rezina Ahmed, and will conduct his diplomatic mission from the High Commission's regional headquarters in Port Louis, Mauritius. Present for the ceremony were the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Director General Bilateral Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta and Second Secretary, Mr Davis Mathiot. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Business, tech, research, education emerged as pillars of India-UK cooperation: MEA
New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday enlisted areas that have emerged as pillars of India-UK bilateral cooperation, saying that the partnership has seen regular high-level exchanges across sectors such as trade, investment and defence. Addressing a special press briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and Maldives, Foreign Secretary Misri said, "There are regular engagements at the level of External Affairs Minister and his counterpart, the British Foreign Secretary, and there are several other institutional mechanisms at ministerial level dealing with strategic issues, financial, economic, energy related issues, as well as science and technology. In the contemporary times, the sectors of business, technology, research, education innovation, the knowledge economy have emerged as pillars of our bilateral cooperation." Misri also mentioned how the India-UK partnership was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and since then, it has seen regular high level political exchanges. He said that both sides remain committed to taking this partnership to even higher levels. "Our bilateral trade is across USD 55 billion in 2023-24. UK is also the sixth largest investor in India, with accumulative investment of USD 36 billion and interestingly, India itself is a large source of foreign direct investment in the UK with a cumulative investment of close to USD 20 billion," he said. Misri added, "In the defence sector, we are seeing regular interactions and exercises amongst all three branches of the armed forces." Speaking on the importance of the Indian Diaspora, Misri hailed them as the living bridge that connects India and the UK. "One of the most important, probably the foundational aspects of this relationship is the living bridge that connects India in the UK, people of Indian origin in the UK nearly 1.8 million strong Indian diaspora, which has contributed to strengthening bonds of friendship between our two countries, but has also made extremely valuable contributions through UK economy." He also spoke about the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups as a matter of concern for India, which has been brought to the attention of partners in the UK. PM Modi will embark on a two-nation tour of the UK and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the MEA had said on July 20. This visit to the UK is at the invitation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while the state visit to the Maldives is at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the MEA, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with his UK counterpart on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. Over the years, the India-UK historical ties, have transformed into a robust, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial relationship. The relationship has been elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. New Delhi and London have seen sustained and frequent high level political engagements. Prime Minister Modi has met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer twice over the past one year. They met on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024, and again during G7 Summit in June 2025. Both also had multiple telephonic conversations over the period. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco, North Macedonia Bolster Cooperation in Diplomatic Training and Tourism
Morocco and North Macedonia have taken a new step in strengthening their bilateral cooperation, as they signed two Memorandums of Understanding on Monday in Skopje, aimed at further expanding and structuring their sectoral partnership. These legal instruments were signed as part of a working visit carried out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, to Skopje, where he held talks with North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Mr. Timčo Mucunski. The two parties welcomed the ongoing strengthened bilateral legal framework in specific areas of common interest, which reflect their shared will to establish cooperation between both countries on a long-term basis. The diplomatic training agreement serves as the benchmark framework for cooperation activities carried out between the two countries' foreign ministries, based on the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit. It aims to encourage joint training programs, holding inaugural lectures or high-level interventions as part of official visits by eminent personalities from both countries, as well as the exchange of information, best practices, experiences, and analyses related to developments in diplomatic training. Meanwhile, the tourism agreement will serve as a lever for bilateral cooperation by promoting the exchange of expertise, the mutual promotion and enhancement of destinations, the strengthening of institutional capacities, and coordinated participation in investment initiatives and specialized trade fairs. This framework will enhance the visibility of both countries' tourism offerings across regional and international markets. These agreements fall within the renewed dynamic of the partnership between Rabat and Skopje and reflect the desire of the two countries to expand their cooperation into high value-added sectors, in line with their respective national priorities and their regional and multilateral commitments. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
