Bahrain and Greece have agreed to step up their historic relations, particularly in shipping and ports, trade, economy, investment, technology and defence.
The importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and the security of waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, was also stressed as His Majesty King Hamad held talks with Greek leaders yesterday.
His Majesty, on an official visit to Greece, held talks with President Constantine Tassoulas and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during which the leaders discussed the historic relations between the two ancient maritime civilisations.
Upon his arrival, President Tassoulas welcomed His Majesty, noting that the visit would contribute significantly to further enhancing Bahrain-Greece relations.
His Majesty thanked President Tassoulas for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and expressed hope that the visit would mark an important new phase in the development of relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, His Majesty and President Tassoulas reviewed the close bilateral relations and discussed means to further advance co-operation across various domains for the benefit and prosperity of both countries.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of common interest, particularly the latest developments in the Middle East.
Both sides emphasised the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and the security of waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, and the need for any arrangements concerning them to be based on international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, safeguarding international trade and the smooth functioning of supply chains.
At the outset of the meeting, His Majesty delivered a speech on the occasion.
“I am pleased to be in Greece today, a country with an ancient civilisation to which the world owes much in terms of enlightened thought and the values of wisdom, justice and beauty, the King said.
He conveyed to the President and to the people of Greece the greetings and best wishes of the people of Bahrain.
“The ties between our two countries predate what is recorded in documents and history books. Your ancestors knew our land as Tylos more than 23 centuries ago, and traces of that encounter between the Greek and Dilmun civilisations remain present in our land to this day. We take pride in this shared human heritage as a foundation for building a contemporary partnership that brings benefit to our two peoples,” His Majesty said.
“In Bahrain, we have always believed that diversity is a blessing that must be preserved and that dialogue among cultures and religions is the best path towards peace and coexistence. I believe this is a conviction you share with us in an ancient country where the very idea of dialogue was born,” he added.
“Our region and the world are passing through a critical period in which the sovereignty of states and the safety of maritime routes face serious challenges. We highly appreciate Greece’s principled positions based on international law and regard your friendship as a source of support at a time when challenges are increasing and adherence to principles is becoming less common.”
President Tassoulas also delivered a speech, in which he welcomed His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.
“Relations between our two countries are founded on mutual respect and deep friendship. These foundations will help us build strong relations for the future.
“We recognise that the circumstances we are currently experiencing are difficult where there are many challenges. We express solidarity with Bahrain and condemn the attacks carried out by Iran against the kingdom. Greece stands by the resolutions of the United Nations and acts in accordance with them, in line with its steadfast position,” he said.
“There have, of course, been losses of life and damage to infrastructure as a result of the Iranian attacks against Bahrain. These attacks have serious repercussions not only for the Gulf region, but also for Greece and for other regions and countries around the world.
“Greece supports freedom of navigation and free passage, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, as guaranteed by international law.
“The Greek Navy is also playing its role in the Red Sea region through Operation ASPIDES, which means ‘shield’, reflecting the importance Greece attaches to this issue.” the President said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Majesty and President Tassoulas affirmed the two countries’ commitment to building on their strong relations and expanding co-operation in support of common interests.
The two sides also affirmed their support for all efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, prosperity and peace in the Middle East for the benefit of the region and its people.
The King extended a renewed invitation to President Tassoulas to visit Bahrain.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, the King highlighted the longstanding relations between Bahrain and Greece and their continued development across various domains, emphasising the importance of further strengthening co-operation in support of the shared interests of the two countries and their peoples.
His Majesty said the ties between Bahrain and Greece extend beyond their shared history and are centred on the security of maritime routes, freedom of trade and the stability of a region on which the world depends for energy security, supply chains and international trade.
The King noted that Bahrain and Greece are maritime nations, with Greece having one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, while Bahrain is located at the heart of the Arabian Gulf and hosts key maritime security partnerships in the region.
His Majesty said both countries, as well as the wider international community, are affected by any threat to maritime navigation and share a responsibility to lead efforts aimed at preventing such threats.
His Majesty invited Prime Minister Mitsotakis to visit Bahrain.
The Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the King, attended by members of His Majesty’s accompanying delegation and senior Greek officials.
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