STRONG relations between Bahrain and Lebanon have been further cemented with the visit of President Joseph Aoun.
The Lebanese President held official talks with His Majesty King Hamad at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attended.
A joint statement issued at the end of the two-day visit highlighted the determination of Bahrain and Lebanon to enhance co-operation at all levels.
It said His Majesty and President Aoun held a session of official talks, during which they reviewed the progress of ties as well as ways to develop and strengthen them across all fields.
Talks included a review of bilateral economic, trade, investment and social co-operation.
Ways in which these could be further developed and upgraded were reviewed.
The two sides noted that this could take place through strengthening the role of the private sector, expanding bilateral trade, increasing visits by economic and trade delegations, fully activating signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, as well as deepening consultation and co-ordination at all levels.
The necessity to expand co-operation in culture, education, tourism and health was also emphasised.
His Majesty and the visiting President discussed the latest regional developments and their impact on the security and stability of the Middle East.
In this connection, they reviewed regional and international efforts to settle conflicts, resolve crises through dialogue and diplomacy and establish the foundations for security and stability in the region.
They underscored the two countries’ determination to continue co-ordination to prevent any acts which undermine regional security and stability, including by combating terrorist organisations and preventing their financing.
The two sides underlined the need to respect the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs and adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighbourliness.
His Majesty reaffirmed Bahrain’s firm support for the sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and its rejection of any external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
He also noted the importance of respecting the historical specificity, religious diversity and the values of civilised coexistence that characterise the Lebanese society.
The King reiterated Bahrain’s support for the efforts of President Aoun and the Lebanese government to advance political and economic reform and to strengthen national unity.
The two sides expressed their sincere appreciation for the United States’ tireless efforts to enhance security and stability in Lebanon, and underscored the need to continue engagement with regional and international partners to build confidence and secure the necessary support for Lebanon in overcoming current challenges and commencing reconstruction efforts.
The King underlined the importance of limiting the possession of arms to Lebanese state forces only, and extending government control over all Lebanese territory.
He noted the need to support the Lebanese army and security forces to fulfil their mandate to maintain Lebanon’s security and stability, while strengthening the role of Unifil.
His Majesty also reaffirmed the kingdom’s support for restoring Lebanon’s vital and irreplaceable role in its Arab and regional environment.
President Aoun thanked the King for his support for Lebanon, welcoming growing Lebanese-Gulf relations and the GCC support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and national unity.
He wished the kingdom success in hosting the upcoming Gulf summit, congratulating Bahrain on its election to non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027.
The two sides reviewed the outcomes and initiatives of the May 2024 Bahrain Summit, which sought to develop joint Arab action and consolidate regional security and stability.
They underlined the importance of the summit’s call for an international conference to address the Palestinian issue, advance the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and strengthen efforts to recognise it as a full member of the United Nations.
The two sides reaffirmed their support for efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, seeking a final solution to the Palestinian issue in a manner which preserves the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the Arab Peace Initiative approved by the Beirut Summit in 2002.
They stressed the need to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and accelerate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population.
Both sides also reiterated their support for international efforts towards resuming negotiations between the US and Iran on the nuclear issue, with the mediation of Oman, ensuring the peaceful status of the Iranian nuclear programme, strengthening the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency and making the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction.
President Aoun later left the kingdom and was seen off at Bahrain International Airport by Foreign Minister and head of the Mission of Honour Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi; Lebanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mirna Khawly and other officials.
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