Bahrain and France have taken a significant step in strengthening their defence ties, signing a bilateral agreement that includes strategic information sharing and the exchange of military expertise.
The agreement was signed when His Majesty King Hamad held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris yesterday.
His Majesty is making an official visit to France at the invitation of President Macron.
The French President welcomed His Majesty at an official reception ceremony on his arrival at the Élysée Palace.
During the talks, President Macron highlighted the depth of the historic relations between the two countries as well as the progress achieved across various domains.
The King commended the French President’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The talks also addressed means to enhance bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared benefit.
The joint defence co-operation agreement was signed by National Security Adviser and Supreme Defence Council secretary general Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate to the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans.
Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee.
They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing co-operation and emphasised the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand co-ordination.
The talks also addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.
His Majesty praised France’s role, under President Macron’s leadership, in supporting international security, peace and stability, and its support for just Arab causes.
In honour of His Majesty’s visit, the French President hosted a luncheon attended by senior officials from both sides.
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