Bahrain and Saudi Foreign Ministers Discuss Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate Tensions

Manama, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on Monday to discuss current developments in the region and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the two ministers discussed during the call the follow-up on efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways, thereby enhancing security, stability, and sustainable peace in the region. They also reviewed the historic brotherly relations between the two countries and their peoples, noting their development and growth across various fields, and ways to strengthen and develop these ties in service of shared interests and objectives.

In a separate statement, the ministry said that Minister Al Zayani discussed with UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Stephen Doughty, regional developments and the repercussions of ongoing Iranian aggression against the Kingdom of Bahrain and other regional states. The two ministers also reviewed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation and its impact on energy, food, and international trade supplies, as well as continued coordination and consultation between the two countries during Bahrain’s membership in the UN Security Council.

The statement added that the call addressed the trajectory of the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various fields, and the follow-up on the implementation of memoranda of understanding and joint cooperation agreements, thereby strengthening both countries’ efforts to achieve common goals and preserve regional security and stability.

According to the statement, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister conveyed his congratulations to Minister Doughty on assuming his new position, highlighting the growing historic and close friendship between the two countries across various fields. He expressed his hope to enhance and broaden bilateral cooperation, wishing him success and effectiveness in his new role.

For his part, Minister Doughty thanked Minister Al Zayani for his kind sentiments, affirming his commitment to expanding cooperative relations between the two countries and leveraging available opportunities to advance them in ways that serve shared interests. He expressed the United Kingdom’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain in light of the reprehensible Iranian aggression and its support for all measures Bahrain takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, wishing the Kingdom continued peace, progress, and prosperity. (End) K.N.A. / A.S.