*** Bahrain Reaffirms Support for Lebanon’s Sovereignty, Stability, and Reform Path | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain Reaffirms Support for Lebanon’s Sovereignty, Stability, and Reform Path

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at reinforcing Arab unity and regional cooperation, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held official talks with Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun during the latter’s two-day visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on July 22 and 23.

The meeting underscored the deep-rooted and historic ties between Bahrain and Lebanon, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening collaboration across political, economic, and security domains.

The talks, held at Sakhir Palace, were wide-ranging and addressed pressing regional and international issues, in addition to bilateral cooperation. The leaders reviewed opportunities to elevate economic, trade, and investment relations, with an emphasis on boosting private sector partnerships, activating existing agreements, and promoting joint projects that serve mutual development goals.

One of the most crucial areas of discussion was the evolving security situation in the region. Both His Majesty King Hamad and President Aoun expressed a firm commitment to safeguarding regional stability by encouraging diplomatic solutions to conflicts, rejecting foreign interference in internal affairs, and reinforcing the principles of sovereignty and non-aggression.

The leaders agreed on the urgent need for cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism, prevent the financing of such activities, and address the root causes of instability through regional dialogue and coordination.

King Hamad reiterated Bahrain’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and political stability, stressing the importance of preserving Lebanon’s national identity, cultural diversity, and the historic coexistence that defines its society. He also voiced Bahrain’s backing for President Aoun’s ongoing reform efforts aimed at reviving the Lebanese economy and reinforcing national unity.

The meeting carried additional geopolitical weight as the two sides addressed international support for Lebanon. They welcomed the efforts of the United States and other global actors in backing Lebanon’s stability and reconstruction process, especially in light of ongoing regional tensions and economic hardship.

King Hamad also reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, maintain a ceasefire with Israel, and assert full state authority across Lebanese territory. The leaders called for continued international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL, recognizing their essential role in maintaining peace.

The Palestinian issue was also a central focus. Both Bahrain and Lebanon emphasized the importance of advancing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution. They supported the Arab Peace Initiative and called for an international conference to push forward the recognition of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On Gaza, the two leaders called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access. They endorsed the Arab plan for early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, adopted at the Cairo Summit in March 2025.

The nuclear file and maritime security were also on the agenda. Bahrain and Lebanon supported efforts to resume negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and keeping the region free of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, they stressed the importance of protecting vital maritime routes from threats that jeopardize international trade and energy security.

In closing, President Aoun expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s steadfast support and praised the Kingdom's growing leadership role in the region. He also congratulated Bahrain on its election to the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and extended his best wishes for the success of the upcoming GCC Summit to be hosted by Bahrain.

His Majesty King Hamad, in turn, wished President Aoun and the Lebanese people continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

This visit and the outcomes of the talks mark an important milestone in Bahrain-Lebanon relations, reflecting a shared vision for regional stability, Arab solidarity, and stronger multilateral cooperation in a time of complex global challenges.