Bahrain and EU Agree to Negotiate Landmark Strategic Partnership

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

- FM Al Zayani presses EU on Iran's hostile actions

- Gulf states sound alarm over Hormuz blockade

Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held high-level talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica on the sidelines of the GCC-EU Regional Security and Cooperation Forum.

The discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and Iran's hostile actions against Bahrain and fellow Gulf states—including the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which both sides identified as a critical threat to global navigation and economic security.

Following the talks, Bahrain and the EU formally announced the launch of negotiations toward a Strategic Partnership Agreement—a landmark development both parties described as reflecting the maturity of their relationship.

The joint statement recognised Bahrain's dual role as current GCC Chair and non-permanent UN Security Council member for 2026–2027, highlighting the Kingdom's contributions to peaceful conflict resolution and pluralism.

Both sides reaffirmed commitment to the rules-based international order, citing maritime security and freedom of navigation as priority areas. EU Commissioner Šuica pointed to untapped opportunities in trade, investment, and connectivity under the forthcoming agreement.

Al Zayani and Kallas pledged to advance political, security, and multilateral cooperation, with formal SPA negotiations set to chart new ground in the EU-Bahrain partnership.