Foreign Ministers Discuss Regional Challenges and Trade at London Meeting

His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, met today at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London with Her Excellency Yvette Cooper, Minister for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. The meeting took place during Dr. Al Zayani’s visit to London for the second Strategic Dialogue between the two friendly countries.

The discussions focused on the historical relations and strong strategic partnership between Bahrain and the UK, and explored ways to enhance joint cooperation across all levels to serve mutual interests. The dialogue was held within the framework of the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Integration Agreement (C-SIPA) signed between Bahrain, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with both sides emphasizing the importance of expanding collaboration in vital areas of mutual concern.

Both parties underlined the significance of continued coordination and consultation on shared challenges, enhancing cooperation, and exchanging expertise, especially during Bahrain’s upcoming two-year non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. They also stressed the importance of concluding free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC and the UK to strengthen bilateral trade.

The meeting also covered regional and international developments, efforts to end conflicts to safeguard international peace and security, and exchanges of views on the situations in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional stability and achieving comprehensive, fair peace for the benefit of all peoples in the region.

Attending the meeting were His Excellency Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the UK; Lieutenant General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security; Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Adviser and Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council; Her Excellency Ambassador Alistair Long, UK Ambassador to Bahrain; and Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaleq, Head of Coordination and Follow-up Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.