Saudi Arabia And Bahrain Strengthen Ties At Coordination Council Meeting In Manama

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council in Manama. This event was attended by senior officials from both nations. The meeting underscored the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa warmly welcomed HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Bahrain. He praised the enduring relationship between the two countries. HRH Prince Mohammed expressed his pleasure at visiting Bahrain and meeting with King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman. He highlighted the commitment of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to enhancing cooperation across various fields.

A series of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during this meeting. These included a MoU on nuclear safety between Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission and Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment. This was signed by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Bahraini Minister Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina.

Another significant agreement was a Cooperation Program between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies. This was signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani.

An Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation was also signed by Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih and Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Additionally, a MoU on sustainable development cooperation was established between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Economy and Planning and Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development.

The meeting also resulted in a MoU on competition promotion between Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Competition and Bahrain's Competition Promotion Authority. This was signed by Saudi Economy Minister Faisal Alibrahim and Bahraini Industry Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro.

Moreover, a MoU to promote direct investment was signed by Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih with Bahraini Sustainable Development Minister Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif. Another agreement involved collaboration between the Saudi Railway Polytechnic and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation.

Educational cooperation was also addressed with a MoU between King Saud University and the University of Bahrain, signed by Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dossary and Bahraini Education Minister Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma.

Commitment to Future Cooperation

The session concluded with Crown Prince Mohammed expressing gratitude for the warm reception in Bahrain. He noted the constructive outcomes achieved during this council session. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, wishing for continued security in both nations.

The leaders thanked all committee members, including the Executive Committee, General Secretariat, and working groups for supporting the council’s work. They agreed that the fifth meeting will take place in Saudi Arabia, with its date to be decided through the council’s general secretariat.

With inputs from SPA