Bahraini King and Macron discuss Middle East developments and strengthen bilateral partnership

King Hamden Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Affirms Full Solidarity with the Kingdom

Bahrain and France Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and French President Emmanuel Macron held an official meeting on Tuesday, during which they reviewed a number of regional and international issues and developments of mutual interest, foremost among them the latest developments in the Middle East and the efforts being made to address them, exchanging views on these matters.

Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that this took place during King Hamad bin Isa’s reception of President Macron on the occasion of his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, which reflects the depth of the historical relations between the two countries and the advanced level of cooperation achieved, based on mutual respect, convergence of visions, and joint efforts for a more secure and prosperous future.

The King of Bahrain expressed his pride in the notable development of bilateral relations, noting that one of the latest milestones was the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement during his visit to France last February. This step paves the way for broader cooperation in security, energy, and technical fields, supports trade, scientific, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and facilitates 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 (GCC) countries via new bridges.

King Hamad bin Isa congratulated the French President on the success of the first International Space Summit hosted by Paris recently, which provided opportunities for cooperation with GCC states. He noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain, in its current chairmanship of the Council, is keen to leverage these opportunities to expand strategic partnerships.

King Hamad bin Isa stated that President Macron’s visit to Bahrain comes “in light of delicate regional circumstances marked by unjustified attacks on the sovereignty and security of our countries, the latest of which are the despicable Houthi terrorist attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which we condemn in the strongest terms.” He expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to protect its security, stability, and territorial integrity.

He added, “We highly value France’s positions of solidarity with our country and its role in protecting sea lanes, supporting regional stability, and its efforts alongside the United States to support Lebanon and Syria,” affirming support for France and confidence that, under the wisdom of its president and leadership, it will maintain its security and stability and achieve further prosperity.

In this context, he pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain emphasizes that sustainable security can only be achieved through adherence to the rules of the international system, respect for state sovereignty, and reliance on dialogue as a means to resolve crises. He added, “From our position as members of the UN Security Council, we are keen 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, President Macron delivered a speech in which he welcomed the King of Bahrain and the attendees, affirming the French Republic’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain and its standing by its side in facing current challenges, as well as its commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination to enhance security and stability and protect both countries and their friendly peoples.

He emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries and the wide horizons it offers for developing joint cooperation in various fields, particularly in the industrial sector, including cooperation with Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment to elevating them to more advanced levels.

He pointed out the importance of enhancing cooperation in defense and security fields and expanding the scope of partnership in developing defense capabilities and military industries, thereby supporting the common interests of the two countries, while stressing the importance of cooperation in the energy sector.

He praised the coordination existing between the two sides in this area, commending the efforts made to enhance the security and continuity of supplies, which contribute to supporting stability and meeting needs during the current phase.

The two sides reviewed the close bilateral relations and ways to develop strategic cooperation and elevate it to broader horizons, especially in investment, economic, political, defense, sustainable development, and advanced technology fields, which would serve the interests and objectives of the two friendly countries.

The Bahraini King conferred the Grand Cordon of the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Order upon the President of the French Republic, in appreciation of his efforts to consolidate the historic bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

The Bahraini King and the French President witnessed the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic regarding cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The memorandum aims to enhance the skills and competencies required to develop a civilian nuclear program and ensure its sustainability through appropriate training programs.

The memorandum was signed on the Bahraini side by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and on the French side by Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.