The Kingdom of Bahrain and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have enjoyed close diplomatic ties for decades. These ties continue to thrive and have seen further development this year with a number of high-level visits and collaborative meetings.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister meets with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
April 2024: Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
HRH Prince Salman emphasised the deep, historic relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, built on shared visions and strong cooperation, supported by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
HRH Prince Salman acknowledged Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts in advancing bilateral integration across various sectors and conveyed greetings from His Majesty the King to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He also expressed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening the partnership to meet mutual goals. Both leaders discussed the importance of coordinated efforts on regional and Islamic issues, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting Arab causes and serving pilgrims. Senior officials, including Bahrain’s Minister of Finance, attended the meeting.
Sports Cooperation MoU Signed on Sidelines of Paris Olympics 2024
August 2024: On the sidelines of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the General Sports Authority (GSA) of Bahrain and the Ministry of Sports of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Paris, France to enhance collaboration in the sports sector.
The MoU was signed by Chairman of the GSA and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal. HH Shaikh Khalid emphasised that the MoU represents a strategic step in advancing sports relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in community, Paralympic, women’s, and combat sports, as well as in organising events, developing sports professionals and collaborating on sports investment and facility management.
The ceremony was attended by key figures from both kingdoms, including Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and others.
Saudi Shura Council Delegation Visits Bahrain
July 2024: A delegation from the Saudi Shura Council, led by Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh, visited Bahrain in July at the invitation of Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives.
The visit aimed to bolster cooperation and joint parliamentary coordination between the two countries and reflected the strong historical ties and advanced cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, supported by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, the delegation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bahrain’s Council of Representatives. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations, strengthen parliamentary collaboration on regional and international levels, and promote the exchange of expertise and visits between the two councils and their general secretariats.
Bahrain Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Highlights Takamul Programme’s Role
August 2024: Bahrain’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, HE Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa, highlighted the strong historical ties and advanced cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, supported by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He emphasised that the Local Value Programme in Industry (Takamul) ensures Bahraini products receive the same treatment as Saudi products in local government procurement within Saudi Arabia. This initiative allows Saudi establishments to include their products in the programme, which aims to enhance preference for local products in government procurement and improve the reciprocal In-Country Value (ICV) of industrial goods.
The programme, which aligns with the outcomes of the third meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, chaired by the Crown Princes and Prime Ministers of both countries, seeks to foster integration and growth, improve supply chain efficiency, and contribute to the prosperity of both nations. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain has opened registration for Saudi enterprises wishing to join the programme.
Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council Sign Economic Cooperation MoU
February 2024: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia signed two memorandums of understanding (MoU) during the third meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.
The first MoU was signed between the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain and the Saudi Ministry of Finance, while the other was signed between the Ministry of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain and the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning. These agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in the finance and economic sectors.
Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, praised the strong and historic relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which continue to develop under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also acknowledged the crucial support of their Crown Princes and Prime Ministers in fostering closer ties.
He further emphasised the importance of these MoUs in deepening financial and economic cooperation, highlighting the role of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council in furthering joint achievements.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia sign MoU on the ‘Future of Transportation’
March 2024: Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, HE Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, HE Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the ‘Future of Transportation’.
The MoU aims to enhance collaboration on emerging trends in transport and logistics, promoting joint work, research, and development between the two nations. It emphasises the exchange of expertise in establishing, operating, and maintaining modern transportation modes and infrastructure, benefiting both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Minister Al Kaabi underscored the strong historical ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, highlighting their mutual commitment to advancing strategic cooperation in the transport sector.
As part of the visit, Minister Al Kaabi also accompanied his Saudi counterpart on a tour of the Bahrain Logistics Zone and Khalifa Bin Salman Port, showcasing Bahrain’s logistics capabilities and infrastructure. The agreement marks a significant step towards future-oriented transport collaboration between the two countries.