Strategic Breakthrough
TDT | Manama
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HRH CP Unlocks UK Alliance, Secures Landmark Pact
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has cemented a new chapter in relations with the United Kingdom, during a visit that saw the signing of major defence and investment deals and renewed calls for regional de-escalation.
His Royal Highness met with the UK’s new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at No. 10 Downing Street yesterday.
The talks were among the first held by the newly elected British government with a foreign leader.
Both sides reaffirmed the momentum in Bahrain–UK ties, driven by economic cooperation and strategic alignment on regional issues. HRH Prince Salman noted the steady growth in bilateral relations under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Charles III.
Major deals signed
The two countries signed a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) expected to channel £2 billion from Bahrain’s private sector into the UK.
The funds will target sectors including financial services, technology, manufacturing, and carbon reduction initiatives.
A Defence Cooperation Accord was also signed, aiming to deepen interoperability between Bahrain and the UK armed forces.
The agreement will build on joint naval operations and strengthen commitments to regional peace and security.
The agreements were signed in the presence of senior ministers including His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, along with Bahrain’s Minister of Defence Affairs Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi and UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
Focus on diplomacy
Beyond trade and defence, HRH Prince Salman used the meeting to reiterate Bahrain’s call for dialogue and restraint in the face of rising regional tensions. HRH and the UK Prime Minister expressed concern over the military escalation between Israel and Iran and underscored the need for immediate de-escalation.
Both leaders also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and uninterrupted humanitarian access to civilians in the Strip.
HRH Prince Salman welcomed the UK’s support for Bahrain’s upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026–2027, with both sides agreeing to coordinate more closely on multilateral diplomacy.
Broader alignment
The visit also included discussions on the proposed GCC–UK Free Trade Agreement, with both sides expressing interest in advancing talks and strengthening economic cooperation.
HRH Prince Salman welcomed Britain’s formal entry into the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which Bahrain and the US had jointly invited the UK to join.
Also attending the meetings were His Excellency Yusuf bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, Central Bank Governor Khalid Humaidan, and other senior officials.
The visit places Bahrain among the first Gulf countries to engage directly with the UK’s new leadership, marking a clear diplomatic win for HRH the Crown Prince and a strategic bet on expanding Bahrain’s global partnerships.
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