Bahrain, Qatar Discuss Fast-Tracking 40KM Causeway

His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its historic ties and strategic developmental partnership with the State of Qatar. The focus is on enhancing cooperation in land, sea, and air connectivity, as well as logistics services, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.

This came during an official meeting at the Ministry headquarters with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Transport, and his accompanying delegation. The visit aimed to explore avenues for economic and investment collaboration and to exchange technical and operational expertise in areas such as land transport, railways, maritime navigation, and civil aviation.

Dr. Al Khalifa emphasized Bahrain’s pride in its growing partnership with Qatar under the royal vision and the government’s guidance, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional integration in infrastructure and transportation, safeguarding maritime and air navigation, and supporting joint economic ventures within the GCC framework.

Key developmental and strategic projects were discussed, including the 40-kilometer Bahrain-Qatar Causeway for land connectivity and a proposed joint maritime link. These initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and vehicles, promote trade and tourism exchange, boost supply chain efficiency, and attract investments in logistics, tourism, and industry. The projects are also expected to create new job opportunities and reinforce the socio-economic and cultural bonds between the two nations.

The ministers also reviewed practical steps to accelerate the implementation of these connectivity projects, improve related infrastructure and logistics services, and establish joint working teams to ensure progress aligns with global best practices. They expressed hope that these strategic projects would contribute significantly to GCC economic integration, complementing the ongoing GCC railway project expected to be completed by 2030.

Dr. Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain’s readiness to provide the necessary infrastructure for the success of land and maritime links and to further develop logistics services in alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving shared development goals.

Qatar’s Minister of Transport, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, expressed his country's pride in the strong fraternal ties with Bahrain and its keenness to expand cooperation in transportation, ports, logistics, and digital innovation. He underscored the importance of implementing joint development projects to support sustainable growth and Gulf-wide economic integration for the benefit of all regional peoples.

At the end of the visit, both ministers toured maritime landmarks, including a boat trip to Bu Maher Fort and a visit to the Manama Post Museum, which showcases the evolution of postal and communication services in Bahrain and their role in regional and international exchange.