Bahrain and Saudi Arabia deepen strategic ties through expanded partnership

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have reinforced their strategic partnership with the signing of multiple agreements aimed at bolstering economic, transport, environmental, and academic cooperation between the two kingdoms.

The agreements were concluded during the fourth meeting of the Bahrain-Saudi Coordination Council, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

At the forefront of the agreements, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark pact to avoid double taxation, a move expected to further strengthen trade, investment, and economic integration between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia.

Ties

Highlighting the historic ties between the two nations, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa said, “These ties have continued to develop and grow under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, forming strong foundations of cooperation across multiple areas.”

He added: “The Bahrain-Saudi Coordination Council plays a pivotal role in advancing bilateral cooperation and creating opportunities to achieve shared objectives and aspirations.”

Railway

The summit also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on railway training cooperation between Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Saudi Railway Polytechnic.

The agreement will enhance national competencies through specialized training programs, supporting future railway projects and GCC connectivity initiatives.

Environment

In the environmental and energy sector, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU on nuclear safety and radiation protection, facilitating technical knowledge exchange, regional preparedness, and cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Similarly, an MoU on sustainable development cooperation was signed between Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning, focusing on policy development, capacity building, and joint programs to promote sustainable economic growth.

Education

Academic collaboration also featured prominently, with the University of Bahrain and King Saud University signing an MoU to foster research, joint academic programs, and faculty and student exchanges, further strengthening regional higher education integration.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition signed an MoU to promote fair competition, prevent anti-competitive practices, and enhance the bilateral investment climate, reflecting a shared commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable growth in both economies.

These agreements collectively mark a significant milestone in Bahrain-Saudi relations, demonstrating the two countries’ commitment to advancing strategic partnerships across economic, educational, transport, environmental, and regulatory sectors, while contributing to broader regional integration and sustainable development goals.