BAHRAIN and France have agreed to step up their historic strategic partnership amid turbulent times in the region.
A memorandum of understanding to develop civilian nuclear programme was also signed as His Majesty King Hamad held official talks with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday.
His Majesty noted that the visit came amid sensitive circumstances marked by unjustified attacks against the sovereignty and security of countries in the region.
He strongly condemned the recent Houthi terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with the kingdom in measures taken to safeguard its security.
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 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.
The King expressed pride in the significant development of bilateral relations, highlighting the defence co-operation agreement signed during his visit to France in February.
The agreement represented an important step towards expanding co-operation 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 GCC countries through new bridges.
Following the talks, the King conferred the Collar of the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa – Exceptional Class on President Macron in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the relations between Bahrain and France.
This is likely to be one of President Macron’s last major Gulf trips before the presidential election in France in six months, at which he is ineligible to run again.
His joint offer with the UK in April to launch an international maritime coalition to defend ships in the Strait of Hormuz awaits a political agreement between the US and Iran.
His Majesty hosted a luncheon banquet for the visiting leader, who later left for Qatar, the last leg of his Gulf tour.
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