Bahrain's King and French President Discuss Developing Strategic Cooperation to Broader Horizons

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, held official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Manama today.

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that the two sides reviewed the close bilateral relations and ways to develop strategic cooperation, elevating it to broader horizons, particularly in investment, economic, political, defense, sustainable development, and advanced technology sectors, which would serve the interests and objectives of the two friendly countries.

They also discussed a number of regional and international issues and developments of mutual interest, foremost among them the latest developments in the Middle East region and the efforts made in this regard, exchanging views on these matters.

During the official talks, the King of Bahrain delivered a speech in which he welcomed the French President and the accompanying delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, “in a visit that reflects the depth of the historical relations between our two friendly countries, and the advanced cooperation achieved, based on mutual respect, convergence of visions, and joint efforts for a more secure and prosperous future.”

King Hamad bin Isa expressed his pride “in the notable development witnessed by our bilateral relations, the latest milestone of which was the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement during our visit to France last February. This step paves the way for broader cooperation in security, energy, and technology fields, and supports trade, scientific, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, as well as the implementation of major projects with the French Republic in the energy, industry, and transportation sectors, including the railway project that connects Bahrain to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries via new bridges.”

He said, “Your visit comes amid delicate regional conditions marked by unjustified attacks on the sovereignty and security of our countries, the latest of which were the reprehensible Houthi terrorist attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which we condemn in the strongest terms, expressing the full solidarity of the Kingdom of Bahrain with the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, and territorial integrity.”

The King appreciated “France’s positions of solidarity with our country, its role in protecting sea lanes and supporting regional stability, and its efforts with the United States to support Lebanon and Syria. We reaffirm our support for France and our confidence that, through the wisdom of the President and his leadership, it will maintain its security and stability and achieve further prosperity.”