His Majesty King Hamad held official talks with Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
The two leaders reviewed the longstanding relations between Bahrain and France and discussed means to further strengthen their strategic cooperation, particularly in investment, economic and political affairs, defence, sustainable development and advanced technology, in support of the shared interests and objectives of both countries.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, particularly the situation in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges.
At the beginning of the official talks, HM the King delivered an address welcoming President Macron and the accompanying delegation to the Kingdom. His Majesty said the visit reflected the depth of the historical ties between the two countries and the progress achieved in their cooperation, which is built on mutual respect, shared perspectives and a commitment to a more secure and prosperous future.
HM the King expressed pride in the significant development of bilateral relations, highlighting the defence cooperation agreement signed during His Majesty's visit to France last February. His Majesty said the agreement represented an important step towards expanding cooperation in security, energy and technology, while strengthening trade, scientific and cultural exchanges. His Majesty added that the agreement also supports opportunities for large-scale joint projects with France in energy, industry and transport, including the railway project that will connect Bahrain to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through new bridges.
HM the King congratulated President Macron on the success of the first international space summit recently hosted in Paris, which has created opportunities for cooperation with GCC countries. His Majesty emphasised Bahrain's commitment, as the current chair of the GCC, to building on these opportunities and expanding partnerships in key sectors.
Addressing regional developments, HM the King noted that the visit came amid sensitive circumstances marked by unjustified attacks against the sovereignty and security of countries in the region. His Majesty strongly condemned the recent Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Bahrain's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all measures taken to safeguard its security, stability and territorial integrity.
HM the King commended France's solidarity with Bahrain, its role in protecting maritime routes and supporting regional stability, and its efforts alongside the United States of America to assist Lebanon and Syria. His Majesty reaffirmed Bahrain's support for France and expressed confidence that it will maintain its security, stability and prosperity under President Macron's leadership.
His Majesty emphasised that lasting security depends on compliance with rules of the international order, respect for national sovereignty and dialogue as the means of resolving crises. HM the King highlighted Bahrain's commitment, through its membership of the United Nations Security Council, to strengthening coordination with France on regional and international issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, in support of a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and relevant international resolutions.
HM the King concluded by expressing hope that the visit would mark a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation, extending best wishes to President Macron and to France for further progress and prosperity.
President Macron also delivered an address, welcoming HM the King in which he reaffirmed France's solidarity with Bahrain in addressing current challenges and its commitment to continued cooperation and coordination to strengthen security and stability and protect both countries and their citizens.
President Macron emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries and the opportunities it offers to expand cooperation across various sectors, particularly industry, including cooperation with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba).
The French President emphasised the importance of strengthening defence and security cooperation and expanding the partnership in developing defence capabilities and military industries to serve the shared interests of both countries.
President Macron also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector, commending the existing coordination between the two countries and efforts to strengthen the security and continuity of energy supplies in support of stability and current needs.
Following the talks, HM the King conferred the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa-First Class on President Macron in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the historical relations between Bahrain and France.
HM the King and President Macron then witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The MoU aims to develop and sustain the expertise and capabilities required for a civilian nuclear programme through specialised training programmes.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Bahrain, and Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, on behalf of France.
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