UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee Convenes 12th Session in Manama

Manama, The Gulf Observer: The 12th session of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, convened on November 21, 2024, in Manama. The Bahraini delegation was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The session, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, underscored the robust and historic relationship between the UAE and Bahrain. Key attendees included Abdullah bin Touq Almarri, UAE Minister of Economy; Noura bint Mohammed Alkaabi, UAE Minister of State; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Alneyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs; and Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, UAE Minister of State.

In his opening remarks, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the enduring bonds of fraternity and collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing the support and leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He stated, “The UAE has always considered Bahrain a strategic partner in all fields, playing a vital role in the progress and prosperity of the Arabian Gulf and beyond.”

Sheikh Abdullah noted that bilateral trade between the UAE and Bahrain exceeded $7.5 billion in 2023, reflecting the strength of their economic ties. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to expanding partnerships in areas such as trade, renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, and services.

The session concluded with the signing of several significant agreements:

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Civil Aviation Cooperation – Signed by UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Almarri and Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
2. MoU on Financial and Economic Policy Exchange – Signed by Ali Abdullah Sharafi, UAE Assistant Undersecretary of International Financial Relations, and Engineer Nawaf Al-Sayed Hashim Al-Sada, Bahrain’s Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation.
3. MoU on Competitiveness Cooperation – Signed by Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), and Dr. Faisal Issa Hamad of Bahrain’s Ministry of Finance and National Economy.
4. MoU on Government Competency Development – Signed by Dr. Yasser Ahmed Al Naqbi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi School of Government, and Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain’s Institute of Public Administration.

Additionally, an executive programme for cooperation in the tourism sector was signed by the UAE Minister of Economy and Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, Fatima bint Jafar Alsairafi.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah commended the joint efforts of both delegations, expressing optimism for the continued advancement of bilateral relations. “These agreements are a testament to our shared aspirations to achieve tangible outcomes that benefit the people of both nations,” he remarked.

The UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee remains a key platform for fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress across a broad range of strategic sectors.