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.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.