Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received the Bahraini Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid al-Zayani, the second cabinet member to officially visit Israel in two weeks.
Speaking at a joint press conference after their meeting in Jerusalem, the two officials stressed that the bilateral relations are developing at all levels and fields.
Netanyahu said that peace provides “wondrous days” for Israel and Bahrain, because of the courageous decision made by King Hamad.
“We are cooperating in so many fields including science and technology, commerce and investments, healthcare and education, as well as transportation and tourism. In these and so many other areas, our partnership is bringing tangible benefits to both our peoples,” he added.
The PM announced the conclusion of several agreements, stressing the importance of realizing that peace unites the two peoples, yielding economic benefits that were unimaginable a few months ago.
Netanyahu hoped this would develop to include all countries of the Middle East and beyond.
For his part, Zayani described the peace deal with Israel as a golden opportunity to advance cooperation in all fields.
He thanked the Israeli PM for the “warm welcome,” adding that peace between Bahrain and Israel leaves this world a better place for “future generations than the one we inherited,” saying it is a “courageous step.”
Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Zayani met with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem. He pointed out that the second visit of the Bahraini delegation to Israel confirms his country's keenness to promote peace that brings hope and opportunities to the Middle East.
He stressed the importance of opening dialogue channels and direct relations, as well as benefiting from the advanced economy that will support the stability and security of the Middle East.
For his part, the Israeli Minister welcomed the Bahraini delegation and affirmed that these mutual visits contribute to opening horizons of joint cooperation in a way that serves the interests and meets the ambitions of both states.
Zayani arrived in Tel Aviv with 40 state officials and businessmen and held meetings with three Israeli task groups to discuss joint cooperation in tourism and trade.
Israel and Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of tourism stipulating the establishment of a tourism-focused bilateral forum, announced Israeli Tourism Minister Farkash Hacohen.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Economy Ministry announced Wednesday that it foresees $220 million in non-defense trade with Bahrain in 2021.
The Ministry forecast growth in Israeli exports to Bahrain of diamonds and refined metals for chemicals, and of imports of oil and aluminum from Bahrain.
Bahrain and the UAE signed in September a US-brokered deal to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.
