A new milestone in Bahrain, Israel ties
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Staff Reporter
A new milestone is being created in the bilateral ties as Bahrain hosts an event to mark Israel’s 74th Independence Day, said Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
This came as Dr Shaikh Abdulla spoke at an event held at Wyndham Grand Manama last night, where many dignitaries, diplomats, senior government officials and prominent citizens and residents attended the 74th Independence Day celebrations of Israel.
“This is a landmark moment in the bilateral ties between Bahrain and Israel. Our relations are drawn from the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for a more peaceful and prosperous region,” he said.
“Both countries can have many benefits through cooperation and this is not possible without boosting people-to-people relations.
“During my last visit to Israel, I held talks with government officials, ministers and interacted with the people in order to understand the social fabric of that country. I could understand that, very much like the Kingdom, Israel is also a melting pot of cultures. Like the Kingdom’s people, Israelis are also proud of their national identity.”
In a televised address, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid thanked His Majesty King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for fostering bilateral ties with Israel.
“We have now taken concrete steps towards the progress in relations. Since the opening of Israeli Embassy in Manama, we have gone from strength to strength. This is just a beginning and in the coming years we will see our relations scaling to new heights.”
Speaking on the occasion, Israeli Ambassador to the Kingdom Eitan Na’eh said it’s a moment of special glory for both nations.
“As envisioned by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, both Bahrainis and Israelis are going to benefit from the increasing bilateral ties between both nations. Both governments are deeply committed to building long-term sustainable ties and people-to-people relationships.
“Israeli companies are keen on building business relations in the Kingdom. Many top executives of leading Israeli companies are in the Kingdom to explore opportunities for mutual growth.
“If materialised, both nations could see the value of trade and economic engagements growing to hundreds of millions in US dollars in the coming years.
“From tourism to fintech, oil and gas to logistics, we can create an ecosystem on the corridors of peace. It is very important for both nations to create opportunities for the youth to get to know each other.”
The ambassador thanked the US government for supporting Bahrain-Israel relations. Many cultural events including a performance by actor and singer Tsahi Halevi added special attraction to the celebrations.
Chef Sasson prepared a special menu for the evening offering a fusion of Bahraini and Israeli dishes. Heads of major companies from Israel’s oil and gas, cyber, manufacturing, fintech, hightech, pharmaceutical, biotech and logistics sectors were in attendance.
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