Manama, 21 November 2023 (TDI): The second Political Dialogue between the European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain occurred on 21 November in Manama, Bahrain.
The event organized within the Cooperation Arrangement framework between the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
Enrique Mora, the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the EEAS, and Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly led the Political Dialogue.
The Political Dialogue discussed EU-Bahrain bilateral ties under the Joint Communication for a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf. This dialogue was a continuation of the 27th EU-GCC Joint Council, which took place on 10 October in Muscat.
This dialogue served as a platform for both parties to engage in comprehensive discussions on a range of pressing issues. One of the key topics addressed during the dialogue was the recent aggressive actions of Russia against Ukraine.
The EU and Bahrain expressed their concerns over Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both parties emphasized the importance of upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Another crucial issue discussed was the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The EU and Bahrain exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They emphasized the need for a negotiated solution that ensures the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Also Read: EU High Representative Josep Borrell lands in Qatar
The security situation in the Gulf region was also a significant point of discussion. Furthermore, the dialogue provided an opportunity to assess the current state of affairs in Yemen and Syria.
The EU and Bahrain discussed the humanitarian crises in both countries and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of these conflicts. They emphasized the importance of supporting political processes that lead to sustainable peace and stability.
Besides political consultations, the EU and Bahrain had two SOM meetings on trade and global affairs. They covered diverse topics including economic diversification, green transition, development cooperation, education, security, and counterterrorism.
){kind=link}