UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee Meeting Focuses on Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The 12th meeting of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee was conducted in Manama on Sunday under the direction of Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. High-ranking representatives from both countries attended the meeting, including Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and a number of other senior ministers and officials.
Developing Bilateral Relations: In his opening speech, Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted the strong ties of friendship, cooperation and cooperation between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. He noted that the leadership of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who maintain these strong ties, have supported efforts to enhance and expand bilateral cooperation.
Abdullah emphasized that Bahrain is a vital strategic partner to the UAE in various sectors, including trade, renewable energy, infrastructure, and services.
He emphasized that Bahrain has always been seen by the UAE as a crucial component of the development and prosperity of the region. Joint high-level group meetings are held regularly, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to explore new opportunities, discuss challenges, and find mutually beneficial and constructive solutions. Abdullah underlined the need to continue cooperating in international organizations and multilateral forums to ensure mutual support for each other’s recommendations.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Development: The substantial growth of non-oil trade between the two nations, which is anticipated to reach USD 7.5 billion in 2023, was one of the session’s primary concerns.
Abdullah reiterated the UAE’s continued commitment to expanding its partnership with Bahrain in various sectors, with a particular focus on trade, infrastructure, renewable energy and roads.
Memorandums of Understanding and Executive Programme:
The session concluded with the signing of several important agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Among these were four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an executive programme focused on tourism cooperation.
MoU on Civil Aviation: Signed by Abdullah bin Touq Almarri, UAE Minister of Economy, and Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, aimed at strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise in civil aviation.
MoU on Financial and Economic Cooperation: Signed by Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Assistant Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance, and Engineer Nawaf Al-Sayed Hashim Al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation at Bahrain’s Ministry of Finance and National Economy, to promote bilateral cooperation in financial and economic policy.
MoU on Enhancing Competitiveness: Signed by Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), and Faisal Issa Hamad, Assistant Undersecretary for Competitiveness at Bahrain’s Ministry of Finance and National Economy, to enhance competitiveness between the two nations.
MoU on Government Competency Training: Signed by Yasser Ahmed Al Naqbi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi School of Government, and Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain’s Institute of Public Administration, aimed at fostering collaboration in developing government competencies.
In order to strengthen cooperation in the tourism industry between the two countries, Abdullah bin Touq Almarri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, and Fatima bint Jafar Alsairafi, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, also signed a substantial Executive Programme for Tourism Cooperation.
Future Commitment: Abdullah bin Zayed thanked Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the participating teams for their efforts in making the conference a success as he wrapped off the discussion. He reaffirmed his hope for further cooperation to further the interests of both nations, stating that their mutual dedication to development will guarantee that this alliance flourishes in a number of areas in the years to come.