Bahrain FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Key Political, Economic Partner for Global Security

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani participated in the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council’s preparatory meeting(SPA)
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani participated in the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council’s preparatory meeting(SPA)
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Bahrain FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Key Political, Economic Partner for Global Security

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani participated in the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council’s preparatory meeting(SPA)
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani participated in the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council’s preparatory meeting(SPA)

Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani has praised the strong bond between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, calling it a shining example of brotherhood and strategic partnership.

The top diplomat emphasized shared values between the two nations and aligned diplomatic stance.

Al-Zayani hailed the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council as a fresh push towards deeper collaboration between the two Kingdoms.

He highlighted Bahrain’s close ties with Saudi Arabia, underscoring their joint efforts in various agreements, initiatives, and projects.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Zayani underlined that both nations are committed to strengthening regional cooperation and international partnerships for security, peace, and sustainable development.

Al-Zayani voiced pride in strides in strategic integration with Saudi Arabia.

“The Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) is our top political, security, and economic partner,” said the Bahraini minister.

He emphasized joint efforts in activating agreements and bolstering the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain prioritize international partnership for maritime and food security, safeguarding navigation, energy supplies, fostering peace, tolerance, religious, cultural dialogue, and countering extremism and terrorism.

The minister also voiced Bahrain’s support for Saudi diplomatic endeavors, including efforts for peace in Gaza, resolving conflicts in various regions like Yemen, Sudan, Ukraine, and other countries, and promoting sustainable development initiatives like the Green Middle East Initiative.

Bahrain values its strong ties with Saudi Arabia and stands by its ally in promoting regional stability and global prosperity, stressed Al-Zayani.

In the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council convened on Wednesday, led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The preparatory committee, headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Al-Zayani, met on Monday in Riyadh to review the council’s progress, updates from its subsidiary committees, and discuss coordination on mutual interests.



UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM
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UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission aimed to present the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.

Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, “France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise.

"Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”

According to WAM, Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying: “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges.”

He added: “The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”