BEIRUT: Bahrain will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has said.
The announcement came during a visit to Bahrain by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Aoun’s trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations.
In a statement, Aoun said: “Lebanon looks forward to the full return of the Bahraini embassy to Beirut.
“We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries.”
King Hamad highlighted Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity. Bahrain rejects any external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, he added, praising Lebanon’s religious diversity and the values of civilized coexistence that characterize its society.
Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa took part in the talks held at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday.
A joint statement said that the talks focused on “ways to develop and strengthen relations across all fields to advance common interests.
“We are keen to enhance Lebanese-Bahraini relations and look forward to outcomes that benefit both peoples and nations alike,” it added.
The king highlighted his kingdom’s deep-rooted historical ties with Lebanon. The two sides exchanged views “on regional events and developments of mutual concern,” in addition to “the situation in Lebanon and efforts to address it.”
Aoun praised Bahrain’s support for Lebanon and its people. “We also value Bahrain’s commitment to preserving Lebanon’s unity, security and stability. Lebanon looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with Bahrain to achieve shared benefits and prosperity for both peoples,” the president said.
During the talks, King Hamad highlighted efforts to strengthen the Bahraini-Lebanese joint committee to implement agreements concluded between the two countries, and to explore further opportunities that serve mutual interests. “This remains a consistent priority in our bilateral relations,” he said.
“Bahrain has long welcomed Lebanon’s citizens and those who hold it dear, ensuring their stay is met with warmth and care in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make to the Kingdom,” he added.
The king said Bahrain would stand by Lebanon to restore its prominent role within the Arab world and the international community.
“Lebanon will rise once more to be, as it has always been, a homeland of unity, peace and harmonious coexistence,” he said.
“We hope that this country would continue to serve as a beacon for the Arab East and a gateway to the sought-after regional stability.”
Also attending the talks were Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of the king of Bahrain; Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, representative of the king for humanitarian and youth affairs, and national security adviser; and Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, first deputy president of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, president of the General Sports Authority and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, along with senior Bahraini and Lebanese officials.
On the second day of his visit to Bahrain, Aoun held a meeting with Bahrain’s Economic Development Board.
He told the board that Lebanon is pursuing investment partnerships based on mutual trust and the belief that his country’s recovery and stability are in the interests of the entire region.
“We closely follow Bahrain’s inspiring experience in economic diversification, infrastructure development and the enhancement of the innovation environment,” he said.
“In this context, I would like to praise Bahrain’s last activities on the international scene, which affirm that Bahrain is an ambitious and effective economic player globally.”
He thanked the kingdom for its support of Lebanon and for embracing its expatriate community.
Lebanon views Bahrain as “an honest partner with whom we can build a new phase of active cooperation on both the government and private sector levels,” he said.
Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa described the steps taken by the government to implement its economic recovery plan, develop industries and carry out major development projects to ensure growth.
“Bahrain became a service hub for the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The minister highlighted improvements in Bahrain’s economic indicators, including significant growth in the oil sector.
Minister of Sustainable Development Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif said she was keen to maintain and improve ties with Lebanon.
She highlighted investment projects in Bahrain and efforts to improve empowerment programs, as well as the golden residency offered by the kingdom and its impact on economic growth.
The board meeting also discussed the energy sector and investments, as well as the private sector’s role in completing major projects in Bahrain.
