Bahrain, Malaysia Deepen Strategic Partnership
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Bahrain and Malaysia are deepening their strategic partnership as both countries expand cooperation across a wide range of fields for the mutual benefit of their peoples, Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea said.
Al Manea said the growing partnership was underpinned by the close relationship between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as the continued efforts of Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to deepen bilateral cooperation.
He said both countries shared a commitment to expanding cooperation and coordination across various fields.
“Malaysia's hosting of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is an advanced expression of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations,” Al Manea was quoted as saying by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Al Manea made the remarks during a lecture titled "The Evolving Security Landscape in the Middle East: Bahrain's Vision for Regional Stability, Diplomacy and Collective Security" at the National Resilience College, part of the Malaysian National Defence Studies Centre, during the college's Executive Week Programme.
The event was attended by Major General Dr Abdul Karim Ahmad, Commandant of the National Resilience College; Major General Abdul Rahim Yusuf, Head of Academics; members of the Senior Directing Staff; participants of the Executive Week Programme; senior officers and officials from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency; representatives from several ministries; members of Parliament; and academics and experts in defence, security and strategic affairs.
During the lecture, Al Manea outlined Bahrain's approach to strengthening regional security, diplomacy and collective action in addressing the evolving challenges facing West Asia and the Gulf region.
He said the kingdom adopts a comprehensive approach that combines the defence of sovereignty, the protection of civilians, the documentation of facts, and the advancement of diplomacy and collective coordination.
Al Manea also reviewed Iran's attacks against member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the targeting of civilians, vital infrastructure and maritime navigation routes, saying the tensions have had regional and global repercussions, particularly for Malaysia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Al Manea said during Bahrain's presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in April, the kingdom advanced international efforts to safeguard maritime routes, ensure freedom of navigation and protect critical infrastructure.
He also commended Malaysia's co-sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed the sovereignty of the affected states, underscored the protection of civilians and called for an end to the attacks.
-- BERNAMA
