Foreign Minister meets with Irish counterpart

Brussels, Jul. 14 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence of Ireland, on the sidelines of the GCC–EU Regional Security and Cooperation Forum.

The meeting reviewed the relations between Bahrain and Ireland and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand coordination at all levels, in light of Bahrain's current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The two ministers also discussed regional developments, including the implications of the recent Iranian attacks against Bahrain and the GCC member states, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing efforts to preserve regional security and stability.

Dr. Al Zayani and McEntee affirmed their condemnation of the recent attacks in the Gulf region, expressed solidarity with the affected countries and seafarers, and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international navigation. They also underscored that no state should control the Strait or impose transit fees, and welcomed the Irish Presidency's role in shaping a common European position.

Dr. Mohammed Ali Behzad, Bahrain's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, and the accompanying delegation, attended the meeting.