Bahrain–UAE Joint Ministerial Committee holds 13th session

Abu Dhabi, Dec. 25 (BNA): The Joint Ministerial Committee between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates was held in Abu Dhabi for its 13th session. The meeting was co-chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Bahraini delegation was represented by Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to the UAE, and Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with a number of representatives of ministries and officials from the Ministry.

The UAE side included Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of Health; Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, Deputy Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Fahad Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri, Ambassador of the UAE to Bahrain; in addition to a number of senior officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed welcomed Dr. Al Zayani and the accompanying delegation, emphasising that this annual meeting embodies the longstanding relations that unite the two countries and their peoples.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said that the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has made the bilateral relations a constant source of pride, adding that the ambitions of the leaderships of both countries for these relations are even greater and call for the continuation of this course. His Highness underlined that the ties, founded on trust and permanent consultation, have contributed to strengthening joint cooperation and consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of both peoples.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted that the UAE views the Kingdom as a strategic partner, an important factor for stability, a key contributor to promoting peace, security and development in the region, and an integral part of the path of progress and prosperity within the Gulf Cooperation Council and the region as a whole. His Highness noted that the meeting reflects the shared commitment to enhance the strategic partnership and broaden the horizons of cooperation in a way that realises the aspirations of both peoples.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also underscored the importance of coordination and joint cooperation in international forums in order to enhance the presence of both countries and their positive role on the international stage. His Highness referred to the support of the UAE for Bahrain during its non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the years 2026 and 2027, emphasising that all departments of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s mission to the UN in New York will provide full support to the Kingdom.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed appreciation to the Foreign Minister and the members of the Bahraini delegation, commending their role in enhancing bilateral relations. His Highness expressed hope for the continuation of this distinguished relations founded on cooperation and mutual goodwill.

On his part, Dr. Al Zayani expressed pride in the longstanding relations that connect Bahrain and the UAE, which are supported by the leadership of His Majesty the King and HH the President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Foreign Minister extended the appreciation of the Kingdom its leadership, government and people for the generous gesture by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in naming one of Abu Dhabi’s distinguished parks after His Majesty the King, coinciding with Bahrain's celebration of its National Day and the 26th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne and the accompanying national events.

He commended the attention and continuous commitment shown by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries at all levels, particularly in political affairs, including consultation, coordination and mutual understanding regarding regional and international developments, unifying positions on current challenges and their implications for regional and international peace, security and stability. He also commended the positive policy and constructive role played by the UAE in protecting Arab interests and strengthening Arab national security.

Dr. Al Zayani underlined the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, particularly during the Kingdom’s presidency of the current session of the GCC and its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council over the coming two years, in a manner that contributes to the exchange of expertise and the unification of efforts in the service of shared interests.

The meeting reviewed the course of the close relations that unite the two countries and their peoples, and the development and growth witnessed across various political, economic, commercial and development domains, within the framework of their shared commitement to expand cooperation and elevate it to more comprehensive levels.

Both sides also discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in the political field, means to enhance consultation and joint coordination on international issues, and support for joint Gulf action in light of Bahrain’s presidency of the current GCC session. They further exchanged views on the latest regional developments and their repercussions for regional security and stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers signed the joint minutes of the proceedings of the Joint Ministerial Committee.