Posted on 02/15/22
Manama: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has today undertaken the first-ever official state 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 the His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the 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 Abraham Accords Declaration, that established relations between the State of Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The agreement, facilitated the United States of America, demonstrated progressive and responsible leadership of both countries to solidify regional peace, security, and stability.
Prime Minister Bennett expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, for their leadership prior to and since the signing of the Accords. He also praised Bahrain's longstanding commitment to interfaith tolerance and promotion of peaceful co-existence, 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 have contributed to strengthening relations between both states and their governments. They have also presented an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the peoples of both nations in social, economic and security matters.
The leaders discussed expanding strategic and security relations to address regional challenges, including nuclear threats, terrorist activity, religious extremism, poverty, and social challenges.
Additionally, the leaders extensively discussed how civilian, economic, business, and trade cooperation between the two countries can be strengthened to secure peace and create prosperity which benefits both peoples.
Bahrain is a gateway for trade between the East and West. As such, both countries are cooperating to explore ways in which regional trade and investment opportunities can be further developed.
The leaders agreed to expedite the negotiations on agreements for the protection of investments and the joint work on a tax treaty, which will provide the infrastructure for promoting secure commercial cooperation.
The strengthening and encouragement of joint trade and investments and mutual visits of ministers and government officials was also agreed upon by the leaders. Joint economic committees will be established to enhance and expand civilian, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
It was also agreed to deepen ties between the Israeli and Bahraini peoples through cultural exchange and educational and academic collaboration. The leaders called on young people from both countries to actively engage in peace-building to benefit themselves and future generations.
The leaders welcomed the building of a bilateral 10-year plan called “The Joint Warm Peace Strategy” that will serve as a roadmap for the development of relations and will be jointly led and reviewed by both Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Joint Warm Peace Strategy will prioritise areas of mutual 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 programmes, such as student exchanges, that will strengthen bonds and foster dialogue and understanding between the countries’ young people.
During the course of the engagements, Prime Minister Bennett formally invited His Royal Highness Prince Salman for an official visit to Israel.