Bahrain, UK parliaments agree on new cooperation framework
London, June 4 (BNA): Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, met with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, at the UK Parliament in London.
Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, was present.
Al Musallam emphasised that the strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom represent a global model of close cooperation and alliance, built on more than two centuries of coordination. He highlighted the exceptional support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Charles III in strengthening these longstanding ties.
He commended the growing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, security, and technology, supported by the initiatives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted Bahrain’s advanced legislative infrastructure and investor friendly environment, emphasising the Council’s commitment to enacting laws that promote sustainable development and enhance Bahrain’s standing as a stable global financial hub with strong national competencies.
Al Musallam noted that Bahrain’s parliamentary diplomacy follows the foreign policy approach established by His Majesty the King, based on moderation, balance, and a genuine commitment to promoting peace and tolerance through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This approach reflects Bahrain’s longstanding identity as a nation rooted in coexistence, pluralism, and respect for human rights, and dedicated to supporting lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world.
The two sides discussed His Majesty the King’s initiative to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East. They agreed on the importance of the proposal, particularly in light of current global challenges, and underlined the need for joint international action to promote dialogue and peaceful resolutions that ensure stability and prosperity.
They also welcomed Bahrain’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026 – 2027 term, describing it as an international recognition of Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, to dialogue, coexistence, and consensus building in support of global peace and stability.
During the meeting, the two speakers agreed to establish a new framework for parliamentary cooperation reflecting the depth of ties. This includes forming an active parliamentary friendship committee and signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance legislative and administrative collaboration, facilitate continuous communication, and coordinate on international matters of shared interest.
They also addressed regional and international developments, particularly the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. Al Musallam stressed the urgent need to intensify efforts to end the war in Gaza and end the military operations that have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, the majority of whom are women and children. He also underscored the importance of facilitating the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, including water, food and medicine, to alleviate the suffering of the population and uphold their right to life. He emphasised Bahrain’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution as the foundation for a just and comprehensive peace.
The meeting also discussed means to strengthen Bahrain–UK cooperation. It covered regional and international developments of shared interest and highlighted the role of both countries in promoting global peace and stability.
On his part, Sir Lindsay Hoyle highlighted Bahrain’s role as a key and trusted partner of the United Kingdom. He commended its contributions to regional and global peace, and to international efforts aimed at promoting security and stability. He also expressed the House of Commons’ keenness to strengthen parliamentary relations with Bahrain across all domains.
He noted that Bahrain–UK relations are based on solid foundations of mutual trust and close ties. He underlined the importance of parliamentary engagement to advance shared interests and expand cooperation for the benefit of both countries and peoples.
The meeting was attended by Abdulnabi Salman, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives; Hassan Eid Bukhammas, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman; MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Deputy Chair of the Committee of Foreign Affairs; MP Zainab Abdulameer; MP Maryam Al Dhaen; Dr. Hisham Al Asheeri; and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Council of Representatives.
