King of Bahrain and French President Discuss Strategic Cooperation, Regional Situation, and Efforts Made Towards It

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, held official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Manama yesterday. The two leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the foreign ministries of the two countries regarding cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The memorandum aims to enhance the skills and competencies required to develop and sustain a civilian nuclear program through appropriate training programs. It was signed on the Bahraini side by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and on the French side by his counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot.

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, stating that the visit “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 action 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 technical 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 added, “Your visit comes amid delicate regional conditions, which witnessed unjustified attacks on the sovereignty and security of our countries, the latest of which were the heinous 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, under the wisdom and leadership of the President, it will maintain its security and stability and achieve further prosperity.”

He further stated, “The Kingdom of Bahrain stresses that sustainable security can only be achieved by adhering to the rules of the international system, respecting the sovereignty of states, and adopting dialogue as a means to resolve crises. From our position as members of the UN Security Council, we strive to deepen coordination with France on regional and international issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, to establish a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and resolutions of international legitimacy.”

For his part, the French President said, “During this ongoing war, we must act as members of a single family, and therefore we are doing everything in our power to help you protect your country and people from this aggression.” He continued, “God forbid, if such an incident were to recur, you could rely on us again in the future.” He also referred to the signing of the strategic partnership and touched upon several topics that were discussed.

He stated: “In the field of defense, we want to do more together on security and defense. I believe that French weapons play a very important role, particularly within the framework of this partnership, which will enable us to develop significant missile capabilities. You can be part of this process and of the manufacturing process. We want to do more, and with the Bahraini Navy, we also want to work with you on drone systems and space.”

He pointed out that the second area is energy, adding, “I am pleased that the CEO of Total is with us, Mr. Boulay, and I would like to thank you because, as I understand it, they have secured a monthly supply of 100,000 tons of diesel. This is highly appreciated, and I thank you for it, as this is a very important matter.”

Following this, the King of Bahrain conferred upon the French President the Grand Cordon of the Order of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the historic bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.