Foreign Minister highlights Israeli Premier’s official visit to Bahrain

Manama, Feb. 15 (BNA): Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, gave a press statement on the official visit of the Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the Kingdom of Bahrain. “This historic first visit by an Israeli Prime Minister is a further milestone in the ties between the two countries, and will further deepen and strengthen our cooperation while advancing our shared goals of security, stability and prosperity for our peoples and the wider region”, he said.. He stated that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for fruitful, comprehensive and constructive talks which reflected the common desire of both sides to develop bilateral cooperation. He added that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also held discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister, reviewing progress to date, and exploring ways to further develop joint work and advance the aspirations of both countries and peoples. He noted that during these meetings both sides underlined the importance of the Abraham Accords and the Declaration Supporting Peace between the two countries, as a reflection of His Majesty the King’s approach of promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue, and consolidating security, stability and peace in our region. Dr. Al Zayani noted the significant progress already made bilaterally, including the establishment of diplomatic relations, the exchange of ambassadors, and the commencement of direct flights, and that the two sides reviewed the steps taken in a number of areas. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of further broadening and enhancing cooperation under existing agreements, as well as in other areas of common interest. He reaffirmed that the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the people of both nations in social. economic and security matters, and the need to establish a joint economic committee to enhance and expand economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that that the Israeli Prime Minister visited the Economic Development Board, where he held talks with senior officials on such issues. The minister stated that the two countries agreed to strengthen relations between our peoples, especially through educational, cultural and academic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of engaging young people in the peace-building process, for the benefit of future generations. The two sides also expressed their keenness to promote tourism, and explored opportunities to benefit from Bahrain’s skilled and dynamic workforce. He also referred to the "Joint Warm Peace Strategy" which was approved by both sides, which will further guide the development of relations between the two countries, and will prioritize areas of common interest including innovation, ecosystems, food and water security, sustainable energy, healthcare, education, trade and investment. Dr. Al Zayani noted that the two sides also discussed political and security developments in the region, and the challenges facing its countries, including the Iranian nuclear file, terrorism, religious extremism, poverty as well as social issues, with both sides underlining the importance of intensifying joint efforts to address regional challenges and threats, maintain stability and security in the Middle East, and enhance regional and international peace. He added that the Israeli Prime Minister invited His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to visit the State of Israel, an invitation which was accepted, with the visit anticipated to take place in the near future. He expressed his appreciation for the Israeli Prime Minister’s clear dedication and commitment to further enhancing and strengthening the relations between both sides, and his government’s determination to support and advance this process across the board, welcoming the success of this visit, and looking forward to new horizons of cooperation, understanding and opportunity for our countries and their peoples.