Bahrain, Israel to Recognize Each Other's COVID Vaccination Programs

The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. REUTERS/Nir Elias
The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. REUTERS/Nir Elias
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Bahrain, Israel to Recognize Each Other's COVID Vaccination Programs

The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. REUTERS/Nir Elias
The flags of Israel and Bahrain flutter along a road in Netanya, Israel September 14, 2020. REUTERS/Nir Elias

Bahrain and Israel have signed an agreement to recognize each other's COVID-19 vaccinations in a bid to ease travel between the two countries.

"The governments of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel today reached an agreement regarding mutual recognition of vaccination and green passports," the official Bahrain News Agency reported late Thursday.

Under the agreement, people who have been inoculated in one country with "vaccinations recognized in the other country will be exempt from quarantine and be able to enter places that require a 'green passport'," BNA said.

The Bahraini report said arrangements would be made at a later stage for individuals who have been inoculated with a vaccine other than those recognized by one of the two countries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi tweeted that the deal would "increase tourism and boost our economies and help our common fight against the coronavirus.”

Over five million Israelis, or more than half of its nine million population, have received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, according to Israeli health ministry figures.

More than half a million people in Bahrain, or nearly half the population, have received both doses of various vaccines, according to official figures.



Saudi King Appoints Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
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Saudi King Appoints Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In a royal order issued on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia's King Salman appointed Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad as an advisor to the Saudi Royal Court.

The royal decree was based on the Basic Law of Governance and the system of ministers, deputy ministers and employees of the excellent rank.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques called on ministers and relevant authorities to adopt the decree.