Manama on February 15 (US): Prime Minister Naftali Bennett today made the first official visit by an Israeli Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Prime Minister Bennett was received by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister. Prime Minister Bennett also met with several Bahraini government officials during his visit.
This historic visit follows the signing of an agreement in September 2020, under the Declaration of Ibrahim Accords, which established relations between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The agreement, which was facilitated by the United States of America, demonstrated progressive and responsible leadership for both countries to consolidate peace, security and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Bennett expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, for their leadership before and after the signing of the two agreements. He also praised Bahrain’s long-term commitment to interfaith tolerance and the promotion of peaceful coexistence, which laid the foundation for establishing relations between the two countries.
Today’s meetings between the Prime Minister of Israel and the leaders of Bahrain contributed to strengthening the relations between the two countries and their governments. It also provided an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the peoples of the two countries in the social, economic and security fields.
The leaders discussed expanding strategic and security relations to address regional challenges, including nuclear threats, terrorist activity, religious extremism, poverty, and social challenges.
In addition, the leaders discussed at length how civil, economic, commercial and trade cooperation between the two countries can be enhanced to secure peace and create prosperity that benefits both peoples.
Bahrain is a gateway to trade between East and West. As such, the two countries are cooperating to explore ways in which regional trade and investment opportunities can be further developed.
The leaders agreed to expedite negotiations on investment protection agreements and jointly work on a tax treaty that provides the infrastructure to promote safe trade cooperation.
The leaders also agreed to promote and encourage trade, joint investments, and reciprocal visits by ministers and government officials. Joint economic committees will be established to enhance and expand civil, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
It was also agreed to deepen relations between the Israeli and Bahraini peoples through cultural exchange and educational and academic cooperation. He called on young leaders from both countries to actively participate in peacebuilding to benefit themselves and future generations.
The leaders welcomed the construction of a ten-year bilateral plan called the “Common Warm Peace Strategy” which will serve as a roadmap for developing relations, and will be jointly led and reviewed by the two foreign ministries. The joint Warm Peace Strategy will prioritize areas of common interest, including innovation ecosystems, food and water security, sustainable energy, healthcare, education, and trade and investment.
As part of the strategy, the Israeli and Bahraini governments will support programs, such as student exchange programs, that will strengthen ties and promote dialogue and understanding between the youth of the two countries.
During the engagements, Prime Minister Bennett officially invited His Royal Highness Prince Salman to pay an official visit to Israel.
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