King Hamad Of Bahrain Hosts UAE Minister Of State For Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi In Manama
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain welcomed Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, at Al Safriya Palace. Dr. Al Zeyoudi led a delegation of senior officials and business leaders from major Emirati companies during an official visit to Manama.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They extended their wishes for Bahrain's continued prosperity and success.
King Hamad reciprocated with warm regards to the UAE leadership, expressing hopes for further progress and prosperity for the UAE government and its people. He highlighted the strong fraternal ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to sustainable development and enhanced cooperation.
The meeting focused on reviewing recent developments in strategic trade and investment partnerships between Bahrain and the UAE. Both sides explored ways to expand these partnerships in line with shared development goals and aspirations for growth.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown by King Hamad, noting it as a reflection of Bahrain’s values and its efforts to support bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and development sectors.
On the sidelines of the visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi met separately with Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro. These discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation following the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement's implementation on 8th May.
Investment Growth
The meetings also addressed enhancing trade and investment ties between both countries. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Bahrain increased by 23 percent in 2024, reaching AED33.9 billion. The UAE remains a significant investor in Bahrain, holding 10 percent of its cumulative foreign direct investment stock.
Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and UAE Ambassador Fahad Mohammed Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri were also present at the meeting. Both sides expressed optimism that business communities would leverage agreements to establish joint ventures supporting mutual economic growth.
The discussions underscored hopes that private sector entities would fully utilise existing agreements to foster more joint ventures that bolster economic growth in both nations.
With inputs from WAM
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