Bahrain and UK Discuss Investment, Security, and Green Initiatives

His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, led the Bahraini delegation at the second Bahrain-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue held today at the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London. The UK delegation was headed by His Excellency Mr. Hamish Falconer, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

At the start of the meeting, Mr. Falconer welcomed Dr. Al Zayani and the accompanying delegation, highlighting the deep and evolving ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the UK’s commitment to furthering bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, enhancing exchanges, and developing joint action plans for continued collaboration.

In response, Dr. Al Zayani expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and praised the progress in Bahrain-UK relations, which reflect a strong partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and aligned interests. He also noted that the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Integration Agreement (C-SIPA) between Bahrain and the United States represents a key step toward regional stability and economic cooperation.

The dialogue reviewed outcomes of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s visit to the UK in June 2025, which included the signing of a second strategic investment partnership between the two countries.

Both sides discussed the progress of committees and working groups under the joint action plan, highlighting positive developments in political, security, commercial, and social cooperation. They explored ways to enhance strategic partnerships and joint initiatives to serve the interests of both friendly nations.

The dialogue also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in vital areas, including green transformation, advanced industries, cybersecurity, and tourism. Opportunities for joint coordination during Bahrain’s upcoming tenure on the UN Security Council over the next two years were discussed, alongside the signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on Security Council affairs.

Additionally, the meeting addressed developments in the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom, stressing the need to complete all necessary procedures to finalize the agreement and boost trade exchange.

Representing Bahrain at the dialogue were His Excellency Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ambassador to the UK; Major General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security; Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council; Mrs. Iman Ahmed Al Dosari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Ms. Yara Faraj, Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office; Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaleq, Head of Coordination and Follow-up Sector; Sheikha Al Anoud bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Acting Head of European Affairs; and the minister’s accompanying delegation.

From the UK side, participants included His Excellency Alistair Long, UK Ambassador to Bahrain, and senior officials from the Foreign Office.