Bahrain and EU Launch Strategic Partnership Agreement Negotiations

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani met with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, in the presence of European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Regional Security and Cooperation Forum between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, bringing together senior officials to address pressing diplomatic concerns shared by both blocs.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation between Bahrain and the EU, exploring avenues to elevate the relationship across areas of mutual interest. Discussions also covered the latest regional developments, with particular focus on what Bahrain described as Iran's continued hostile actions targeting the Kingdom and fellow GCC member states.

The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation featured prominently in the dialogue, with both parties underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding freedom of movement through one of the world's most strategically vital waterways. The discussions reflected growing concern among Gulf states and their international partners over the disruption to global shipping routes and the broader economic and security implications of the closure.

The meeting underlined the deepening diplomatic engagement between Manama and Brussels at a time of heightened regional tension.

Following high-level talks in Brussels, Bahrain and the European Union issued a joint statement announcing the formal launch of negotiations toward a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) — a landmark step that both sides say reflects the maturity and ambition of their bilateral relationship.

The declaration acknowledged Bahrain's prominent role on the international stage, recognising the Kingdom both as the current Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council and as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. Both parties highlighted Bahrain's contributions to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence, and pluralism.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared principled commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, pledging to deepen cooperation in ways that advance peace, prosperity, and regional security. Maritime security and freedom of navigation were explicitly cited as priority areas within this framework.

The joint statement pointed to the strength of the existing EU-Bahrain partnership and the promising opportunities it presents for broader and deeper cooperation. The upcoming negotiation process, both parties noted, will explore new horizons for addressing shared emerging challenges.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Foreign Minister Al Zayani both reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing the bilateral partnership, with a particular emphasis on political and security dialogue and multilateral cooperation. European Commissioner Šuica highlighted the potential the Strategic Partnership Agreement holds for expanding economic collaboration between the two sides, pointing to untapped opportunities across trade, investment, and connectivity.