Manama: Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani while addressing his Israeli counterpart stressed on the crucial importance of a just and lasting two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, that would meet the rights, interests and aspirations of all parties, noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to call on all parties and the international community to redouble efforts to achieve this goal.
This came as Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel Yair Lapid held a press conference following official talks, in the presence of the delegations from both countries, within the framework of the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
At the outset of the conference, the Foreign Minister expressed his welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel on his historic official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He said the visit coincided with the launch of direct commercial flights between Bahrain International Airport and Ben Gurion Airport, expressing his thanks to Minister Yair Lapid for his participation in the conference.
Dr. Zayani said the visit is an important event that reflects the rapid development of relations between the two countries over the twelve months since the historic signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington in September 2020.
He said that the visit of His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel to the Kingdom of Bahrain builds on the great progress already made during that time and reaffirms common desire to spread peace, stability and cooperation throughout the Middle East to achieve real and lasting security and prosperity for all its peoples.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the meetings of the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister had reaffirmed the sincere commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain to building peace and close cooperation with the State of Israel and were an indication of the constructive and fruitful approach in all fields.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed hope that some of the Israeli media members have seized the opportunity to have an idea about some Bahraini values, and to have seen for themselves the reality of the modernity, tolerance and diversity in the Kingdom.
He added that the two sides have expressed in the joint statement during today’s meetings their determination to expand and deepen cooperation in a number of sectors, in order to show the real and practical benefits of choosing peace and dialogue as a strategic option.
“By doing so, we can build on and expand this project, and make real progress in achieving the safe and stable region we all want to see,” Minister said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that he would participate with HE Minister Yair Lapid in the official opening of the Israeli embassy in Manama, in addition to the opening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Tel Aviv soon.
He said this important event, which was unimaginable two years ago, would stand for clear evidence on common commitment and play a major role in strengthening bilateral relations in the coming years.
HE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed his appreciation for the cordial and positive spirit that characterized all the talks between the two sides, expressing his belief that the two parties have strong foundations to build upon, whether at the bilateral level or with other like-minded countries.
He welcomed that the high-level communication between the two sides would become a regular annual event, expressing his thanks to Minister Yair Lapid for accepting the invitation to visit Bahrain, looking forward to developing joint cooperation in the years to come.
Yair Lapid expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his leadership and inspiration, “without whom we would not have met today”.
He also thanked His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister for his wisdom and vision, and His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the invitation to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that the meeting with His Majesty the King was welcoming and optimistic, reflecting what we want from this relationship, noting that the royal anthem of the Kingdom of Bahrain says that Bahrain is a symbol of harmony, and we will do everything in our power to make the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel the two peoples harmonious.
He explained that the official opening of the Embassy of the State of Israel in the Kingdom of Bahrain reflects the historical relations between the two countries and the development of cooperation in the cultural, technical and environmental protection levels, noting that a number of memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries today.
He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain, like the State of Israel, has a history and has Potential on the technical level, indicating that the Jewish community in the Kingdom of Bahrain is a symbol of coexistence and harmony, and proves that Bahrain and its values are really not just words.
