Foreign relations of Bahrain

Politics of Bahrain

Member State of the Arab League

* * *

Constitution

* Human rights

Monarchy

* King

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Cabinet

* Prime Minister

Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

* Deputy Prime Minister
* Minister of Foreign Affairs
* Minister of Interior
* Minister of Justice
* Minister of Finance
* Minister of Housing

National Assembly

* Consultative Council

Chairman
* Council of Representatives

Speaker

Judiciary

Elections

* Recent elections

* General: 2010
* 2014
* 2018
* 2022

* Referendums: 2001 (National Action Charter)

* Political parties
* Politicians

Administrative divisions (governorates)

Foreign relations

* Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister: Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

* * *

* Diplomatic missions of / in Bahrain

* * *

* Nationality law
* Passport
* Visa requirements
* Visa policy

Related topics

* National symbols

* Flag
* Coat of arms
* Anthem

* Military
* History

Bahrain portal

* Other countries

* v
* t
* e

Bahrain plays a modest, moderating role in regional politics and adheres to the views of the Arab League on Middle East peace and Palestinian rights. Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has maintained friendly relations with most of its neighbours and with the world community. It generally pursues a policy of close consultation with neighbouring states and works to narrow areas of disagreement.

Bahrain is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), established on May 26, 1981, with five other Persian Gulf states. The country has fully complied with steps taken by the GCC to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, it concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. In many instances, it has established special bilateral trade agreements.

Bahrain has been a member of The Forum of Small States (FOSS) since the group's founding in 1992.[1]

Bahrain's current Minister of Foreign Affairs is Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.[2] Its previous foreign minister was Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, a career diplomat. Sheikh Khaled was educated in the United States, as a student he was a member of US President Jimmy Carter's 1980 presidential campaign team. His deputy was Nazar Al Baharna, a politician and business leader, who was appointed in 2006 following the victory of the biggest Shia party Al Wefaq in that year's parliamentary elections. Al Baharna was formerly a leading member of Al Wefaq.[citation needed]

In June 2006, Bahrain was elected head of the United Nations General Assembly, and used the honour to appoint Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa as the Assembly's president, making her the first Middle East woman and only the third woman in history to take over the post. Sheikha Haya is a leading Bahraini lawyer and women's rights advocate who took over the post at a time of change for the world body. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said of her, "I met her yesterday and I found her quite impressive. All the member states are determined to work with her and to support her, and I think she's going to bring a new dimension to the work here."[3] The move follows a series of appointments of women to high-profile positions in the Kingdom (see Women's political rights in Bahrain for further details).

During the Persian Gulf War in 1990–91, Bahrain was part of the coalition that fought to liberate Kuwait. Bahraini, RAF, and USAF pilots flew air strikes in Iraq from the Sheik Isa Air Base, while coalition navies operated out of Manama, the capital. Bahrain was hit by Scud missiles fired from Iraq.[4] A number of Bahraini students studying in Iraq and Kuwait at the outbreak of hostilities went missing and are presumed the victims of Saddam Hussein's secret police.

After the liberation of Kuwait, Bahrain and the United States strengthened their already good ties by signing a ten-year agreement in October 1991, which granted American forces access to Bahraini facilities and allowed the U.S. to pre-position war material for future crises. In July 1995 the U.S. 5th Fleet was established in the Persian Gulf with its headquarters at NSA Bahrain in Manama. In 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush designated Bahrain as a major non-NATO ally.[5]

Bahrain was an active member of the coalition that fought to remove the Taliban regime from Afghanistan in 2001; the Kingdom provided ships for the naval cordon in the Indian Ocean put in place to intercept fleeing Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters.

Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa I with the Saudi king Ibn Saud.

However, the Kingdom opposed unilateral action against Iraq in 2003, and to the annoyance of Washington in the run up to the war sought to defuse the crisis by offering Saddam Hussein asylum as a way of avoiding war.[6]

Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the Iranian Revolution and the 1981 discovery of a planned Iran-sponsored coup in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. However, with the decline of Iraq as a regional powerbroker, Bahrain has begun taking steps to improve relations with Iran and increase regional harmony. These efforts have included encouraging Bahrain-Iran trade.[7]

The long-standing territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands and the maritime boundary were resolved in 2001 by a compromise decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

To mark Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2 October 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-sponsored with the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research and the Indian Embassy a conference on the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy for the Arab world in the 21st Century. The conference, attended by Arab and Indian academics, UN officials and diplomats discussed the Gandhi’s teaching of non-violence, austerity and spiritualism with particular reference to the Arab world today. Among the keynote speakers was leading liberal academic, Dr Abdulla Al Madani, who emphasised Gandhi’s moral vision: "Had he resorted to kidnapping, suicide-bombings, beheadings, or other barbarian means, his memory would not have remained rooted in the world's conscience. Believing that the credibility of one's action lay in setting a personal example, Gandhi began with himself. He quit his legal practice, gave up wearing Western-style clothing, and embraced a humble lifestyle by making his own clothes and living on a simple vegetarian diet. This, of course, differs from the practice of leaders of some Arab resistance movements, who urge their followers to boycott the West while savouring the Western lifestyle, products, and technology."[8]

## Relations with Thailand and the Hakeem al-Araibi incident

[edit]

Main article: Hakeem al-Araibi

Bahrain's foreign relations were put under strain and its human rights record under the spotlight when in November 2018 Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, who had been sentenced in absentia by Bahrain to 10 years in prison for vandalising a police station in 2013, was arrested upon arrival in Thailand with his wife for their honeymoon. The footballer, who had been granted refugee status by Australia in 2014, urged the Thailand authorities not to deport him to Bahrain as he had been previously tortured in Bahrain for his political views.[9]

He was kept in detention in Thailand while the Australian government and many international organisations and individuals lobbied for his release, until it was announced on 11 February 2019 by the Thai Office of the Attorney-General (OAG)[10] that the extradition case against al-Araibi had been dropped by the criminal court at Bahrain's request. No reason was given by the foreign ministry, but the decision was made under Section 21 of the Prosecution Act, which allows for cases to be dropped if not in the public interest, and he would be released and allowed to return to Australia as soon as possible.[11]

During the media frenzy surrounding the case, the strong links between Bahrain and Thailand were alluded to in the press. Academics and human rights groups raised the issue of the very close ties between the two countries, both financially and between the two royal families.[12] According to Dr Aim Sinpeng, an expert in South-East Asian politics at the University of Sydney, the Thai and Bahraini royal families have always had a close relationship and the Bahraini royal family visits Thailand every year. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul said in 2012 that the relationship between Thailand and Bahrain “was very close and strong” and also disclosed that the Bahrain Prime Minister was a “close personal friend” of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and had “donated roughly $2 million of his own money” to Thailand for flood relief.[12]

The latest new business venture between the two countries is a new 6,700 sq. m. Thai shopping centre in Manama, set to launch in the first half of 2019 and described as an opportunity for Thai small and medium-sized enterprises to reach a huge potential market of Saudi shoppers,[12] said to be the biggest economic centre in Bahrain, with import and exports between the two countries expected to be worth around US$400m annually.[13][14]

## Diplomatic relations

[edit]

List of countries which Bahrain maintains diplomatic relations with:

#  | Country  | Date[15]
1  |  Kuwait | 19 August 1971
2  |  United Kingdom | 21 August 1971
3  |  Saudi Arabia | 29 September 1971
4  |  India | 12 October 1971
5  |  Pakistan | 14 October 1971
6  |  United States | 14 October 1971
7  |  Qatar | 1971
8  |  United Arab Emirates | 1971
9  |  Iraq | 18 January 1972
10  |  France | 15 February 1972
11  |  Australia | 24 April 1972
12  |  Japan | 2 May 1972
13  |  Netherlands | 2 May 1972
14  |  Yemen | 13 May 1972
15  |  Germany | 17 May 1972
16  |  Lebanon | 29 May 1972
17  |  Afghanistan | 1 June 1972
18  |  Egypt | 5 June 1972
19  |  Jordan | 10 June 1972
20  |  Tunisia | 25 June 1972
21  |  Somalia | 29 October 1972
22  |  Spain | 15 November 1972
23  |  Sudan | 4 December 1972
—  |  Iran (severed)  | 9 December 1972
24  |  Chad | 10 December 1972
25  |  Canada | 2 February 1973
26  |  Morocco | 5 March 1973
27  |  Turkey | 12 April 1973
28  |  Mauritania | 30 April 1973
29  |  Greece | 28 August 1973
30  |  Switzerland | 12 September 1973[16]
31  |  Italy | 16 December 1973
32  |  Guinea | 5 January 1974
33  |  Sweden | 25 January 1974
34  |  Argentina | 18 March 1974[17]
35  |  Ireland | 18 May 1974
36  |  Bangladesh | 6 June 1974
37  |  Denmark | 10 August 1974
38  |  Malta | 4 November 1974
39  |  Niger | 11 November 1974
40  |  Malaysia | 25 November 1974
41  |  Finland | 23 January 1975
42  |  Syria | 23 January 1975
43  |  Libya | 22 February 1975
44  |  Cameroon | 20 March 1975
45  |  Austria | 18 May 1975
46  |  Mexico | 5 August 1975[18]
47  |  Gabon | 8 November 1975
48  |  Mauritius | 12 February 1976
49  |  Brazil | 23 February 1976
50  |  South Korea | 17 April 1976
51  |  Portugal | 10 July 1976
52  |  Lesotho | 24 July 1976
53  |  Nepal | 13 January 1977
54  |  Thailand | 15 January 1977
55  |  Venezuela | 31 May 1977
56  |  Mali | 6 June 1977
57  |  Burundi | 27 June 1977
58  |  Ghana | 9 April 1978
59  |  Iceland | 24 May 1978
60  |  Philippines | 27 November 1978
61  |  Tanzania | 1978
62  |  Oman | 13 June 1979
63  |  Luxembourg | 14 March 1980
64  |  Democratic Republic of the Congo | 3 June 1980
65  |  Belgium | 2 December 1980
66  |  Senegal | 13 December 1981
67  |  Cyprus | 14 January 1982[19]
68  |  Zambia | 24 January 1983
69  |  Chile | 6 February 1983
70  |  Djibouti | 6 February 1983
71  |  Gambia | 6 February 1983
72  |  Seychelles | 4 May 1983
73  |  Algeria | 19 November 1983
74  |  Indonesia | 23 July 1984
75  |  New Zealand | 23 July 1984
76  |  Bulgaria | 15 October 1984
77  |  Comoros | 1984
78  |  Singapore | 30 June 1985
79  |  Haiti | 15 September 1985
80  |  Maldives | 24 October 1987
81  |  Brunei | 24 September 1988
—  |  State of Palestine | 3 January 1989[20]
82  |  Burkina Faso | 25 February 1989
83  |  China | 18 April 1989
84  |  Colombia | 18 April 1989
85  |  Panama | 27 April 1989
86  |  Serbia | 31 August 1989[21]
87  |  Hungary | 3 March 1990
88  |  Russia | 29 September 1990
89  |  Romania | 10 March 1991
90  |  Poland | 22 April 1991
91  |  Nicaragua | 12 August 1991
92  |  Bhutan | 6 January 1992[22]
93  |  Turkmenistan | 25 February 1992
94  |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 May 1992
95  |  Kazakhstan | 28 May 1992
96  |  Uzbekistan | 28 May 1992
97  |  Norway | 27 June 1992
98  |  Sri Lanka | 27 June 1992
99  |  Ukraine | 20 July 1992
100  |  Croatia | 18 January 1993
101  |  Albania | 10 May 1993
102  |  Georgia | 10 May 1993
103  |  Czech Republic | 14 June 1993
104  |  South Africa | 13 September 1993
105  |  Uganda | 2 October 1993
106  |  Cuba | 15 June 1994
107  |  Slovakia | 22 March 1995
108  |  Vietnam | 1 April 1995
109  |  Tajikistan | 20 May 1995
110  |  Uruguay | 25 May 1995
111  |  Ivory Coast | 17 June 1995
112  |  Lithuania | 3 July 1995
113  |  Eritrea | 2 December 1995
114  |  Kyrgyzstan | 9 February 1996[23]
115  |  Slovenia | 28 February 1996
116  |  Zimbabwe | 27 June 1996
117  |  Belarus | 1 July 1996
118  |  North Macedonia | 11 September 1996
119  |  Armenia | 15 October 1996
120  |  Azerbaijan | 6 November 1996
121  |  São Tomé and Príncipe | 27 October 1997
122  |  Mozambique | 3 November 1997
123  |  Guyana | 19 November 1997
124  |  Rwanda | 2 March 1998
125  |  Mongolia | 16 May 1998
126  |  Malawi | 9 September 1998
127  |  Republic of the Congo | 9 June 1999
128  |  El Salvador | 16 June 1999
129  |  Suriname | 10 November 1999
130  |  Ethiopia | 28 November 1999
—  |  Holy See | 12 January 2000
131  |  Latvia | 27 March 2000
132  |  Ecuador | 26 June 2000
133  |  Honduras | 27 June 2000
134  |  North Korea | 23 May 2001
135  |  Laos | 15 December 2002
136  |  Moldova | 7 April 2004
137  |  Estonia | 27 April 2004
138  |  Cape Verde | 17 March 2005
139  |  Liechtenstein | 1 April 2005
140  |  Paraguay | 6 May 2005
141  |  Eswatini | 9 September 2005
142  |  Belize | 14 December 2005
143  |  Costa Rica | 22 September 2006
144  |  Antigua and Barbuda | 20 October 2006
145  |  Andorra | 4 May 2007
146  |  Guatemala | 21 May 2007
147  |  Dominican Republic | 22 October 2007
148  |  Barbados | 12 March 2008
149  |  Cambodia | 29 June 2009
150  |  Peru | 22 September 2009
151  |  Montenegro | 25 September 2009
152  |  Myanmar | 10 November 2009
153  |  Fiji | 25 September 2010
154  |  Bahamas | 25 September 2010
155  |  Kenya | 25 September 2010
156  |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 28 September 2012
157  |  South Sudan | 28 September 2012
158  |  Monaco | 23 September 2013
159  |  Angola | 26 September 2013
—  |  Kosovo | 12 March 2014
160  |  Kiribati | 25 September 2018[21]
161  |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 27 September 2018[21]
162  |  Jamaica | 28 September 2018[21]
163  |  Palau | 28 September 2018[21]
164  |  San Marino | 25 September 2019[24]
165  |  Timor-Leste | 27 September 2019[25]
166  |  Israel | 11 September 2020[26][27]
167  |  Central African Republic | 24 March 2022[28]
168  |  Sierra Leone | 8 June 2022[21]
169  |  Tonga | 19 September 2022[21]
170  |  Federated States of Micronesia | 21 September 2022[21]
171  |  Solomon Islands | 21 September 2022[21]
172  |  Togo | 21 September 2022[21]
173  |  Trinidad and Tobago | 21 September 2022[21]
174  |  Dominica | 23 September 2022[21]
175  |  Madagascar | 23 September 2022[21]
176  |  Saint Lucia | 13 December 2022[21]
177  |  Samoa | 27 April 2023[21]
178  |  Nauru | 7 May 2023[21]
179  |  Papua New Guinea | 1 June 2023[21]
180  |  Grenada | 19 September 2023[21]
181  |  Benin | 22 September 2023[21]
182  |  Bolivia | 22 September 2023[21]
183  |  Vanuatu | 9 February 2024[29]
184  |  Equatorial Guinea | 24 September 2024[21]
185  |  Liberia | 26 September 2024[21]
186  |  Namibia | 26 September 2024[21]
187  |  Nigeria | 9 February 2025[30]

## Bilateral relations

[edit]

Country  | Formal Relations Began  | Notes

|
|

Armenia |  |

* Armenia is accredited to Bahrain from its embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
* Bahrain is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Tehran, Iran.

France |  |

* Bahrain has an embassy in Paris.
* France has an embassy in Manama.

Germany |  |

* Bahrain has an embassy in Berlin.
* Germany has an embassy in Manama.

India |  | See Bahrain–India relations

India is a close ally of Bahrain, the Kingdom along with its GCC partners are (according to Indian officials) among the most prominent backers of India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,[31] and Bahraini officials have urged India to play a greater role in international affairs. For instance, over concerns about Iran's nuclear programme Bahrain's Crown Prince appealed to India to play an active role in resolving the crisis[32]

Ties between India and Bahrain go back generations, with many of Bahrain's most prominent figures having close connections: poet and constitutionalist Ebrahim Al-Arrayedh grew up in Mumbai, while 17th century Bahraini theologians Sheikh Salih Al-Karzakani and Sheikh Ja`far bin Kamal al-Din were influential figures in the Kingdom of Golkonda[33] and the development of Shia thought in the sub-continent.

Bahraini politicians have sought to enhance these long standing ties, with Parliamentary Speaker Khalifa Al Dhahrani in 2007 leading a delegation of parliamentarians and business leaders to meet Indian President Pratibha Patil, opposition leader L K Advani, and take part in training and media interviews.[34] Politically, it is easier for Bahrain's politicians to seek training and advice from India than it is from the United States or other western alternative.

In December 2007, the Bahrain India Society was launched in Manama to promote ties between the two countries. Headed by the former Minister of Labour Abdulnabi Al Shoala, the Society seeks to take advantage of the development in civil society to actively work to strengthen ties between the two countries, not only business links, but according to the body's opening statement in politics, social affairs, science and culture. India's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs E Ahmed and his Bahraini counterpart Dr Nazar Al Baharna attended the launch.[35]

Bahrain's ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa went on a state visit to India in February 2014 and has secured $450 million of bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.[36]

Iran |  | See Bahrain–Iran relations

On 12 August 2012, Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid al-Khalifa announced[37] that Bahrain has reinstated its Ambassador to Iran.[38]

On 19 July 2015, after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei voiced support for the oppressed people across the Middle East including Bahrain, the Iranian acting chargé d'affaires Morteza Sanubari was summoned by the Bahraini Foreign Ministry over "flagrant interference". The foreign ministry handed "an official protest memorandum" to the diplomat over "statements made by Ali Khamenei against the kingdom of Bahrain".[39]

On 1 October 2015 (a week after the 2015 Mina stampede), the Bahraini government recalled its ambassador from Tehran and ordered the Iranian acting chargé d'affaires to leave the country within 3 days in response to "continuing interference by Iran in the affairs of the kingdom". This comes when Bahraini authorities in Nuwaidrat (30 September) discovered a large bomb-making factory and seized a large stash of weapons and arrested a number of people suspected of having links with Iran's Revolutionary Guards.[40] Bahrain's decision to recall its ambassador comes "in light of continued Iranian meddling in the affairs of the kingdom of Bahrain ... in order to create sectarian strife and to impose hegemony and control.[41][42] In response (on 2 October), the Iranian Foreign Ministry retaliated by releasing this statement: "The number two official in Bahrain's embassy in Tehran is persona non grata and Mr. Bassam al-Dossari must leave Iran's territory within 72 hours," the official IRNA news agency quoted a foreign ministry statement as saying late Friday.[43]

On 4 January 2016, Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing it of interference in Saudi internal affairs after Saudi Arabia executed prominent Shia cleric, Nimr al-Nimr for his involvement in 2011–12 Saudi Arabian protests.[44] This followed the same decision by the Saudi government, after Iranian protesters set fires in the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.[45]

Iraq |  | See Bahrain–Iraq relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Baghdad.
* Iraq has an embassy in Manama.

Israel |  | See Bahrain–Israel relations

Until September 11, 2020, there were no official relations between Bahrain and Israel and the government of Bahrain didn't recognize Israel as a state. However, Israeli citizens were allowed to enter Bahrain with the requirement of a visa.

Unofficial relations began in late 2016 due to tensions with Iran and denounced the Arab League boycott of Israel.

On September 11, 2020, Bahrain and Israel signed a normalization agreement thereby agreeing to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations.

On November 2, 2023, Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Israel and froze economic ties with them.[46]

Italy |  |

* Bahrain has an embassy in Rome.
* Italy has an embassy in Manama.

Kazakhstan |  |

Bahrain's first ever royal visit to Kazakhstan was in April 2014, where the King met with the Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev.[47] The country have signed major deals between the two countries to bolster trade and investments. Bahrain have expressed its support for the Astana Expo 2017 and have encouraged local businessmen and government sectors to take part in the prestigious event.[48] The Kazakh Government has created the Bahraini-Kazakh Business Council, unveiling plans to sign an agreement on encouraging and protecting investment, avoiding taxation and fiscal evasion.[49]

Kosovo | 13 March 2014 |

On 19 May 2009, Bahrain officially recognised Kosovo as an independent state.[50] On 13 March 2014, Bahrain and Kosovo established diplomatic relations.[51]

Kuwait |  | See Bahrain–Kuwait relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Kuwait City.
* Kuwait has an embassy in Manama.

Malaysia |  | See Bahrain–Malaysia relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.[52]
* Malaysia has an embassy in Manama.[53]

Pakistan |  | See Bahrain-Pakistan relations April 17, 2008: Arabian Shark '08 in process, a joint exercise between the navies of Pakistan, Bahrain and the United States, focusing on antisubmarine warfare.

Bahrain and Pakistan enjoy cordial and deep ties. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, during a visit to Pakistan, called Pakistan his second home and stated that Bahrain regards Pakistan extremely highly.[54] Joint initiatives between Pakistani and Bahraini governments have started to further their bilateral trades, which reached to $250 million in 2007. Pakistani businessmen are eyeing on Bahrain's property market while Bahrain is seeing Pakistan as a good agricultural potential investment country.

Portugal |  | See Bahrain–Portugal relations

Bahrain was ruled by the Portuguese Empire from 1521 until 1602, when they were expelled by Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty.

Qatar |  | See Bahrain–Qatar relations

Bahrain has an embassy in Qatar.[55] Qatar also has an embassy in Bahrain.[56] In May 2017, Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, and closed its airspace and maritime to Qatar transportations. It has also asked Qataris to leave the country, and Bahrainis to leave to Qatar. Islam Hassan argues that " the small Kingdom has been toeing the Saudi foreign policy for the past couple of years. It seems that their severing of ties with Qatar was mainly an answer to a Saudi call."[57][58] In April 2023, Bahrain had restored diplomatic ties with Qatar.[59]

Russia |  | See Bahrain–Russia relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Moscow.
* Russia has an embassy in Manama.

Saudi Arabia |  | See Bahrain–Saudi Arabia relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate-general in Jeddah.
* Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Manama.

South Korea |  |

See Bahrain—South Korea relations

On 24 June 2014, the South Korean deputy minister for multilateral and global affairs, Shin Dong-ik, met with ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdullah, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain who was on a visit to the Republic of Korea from June 22 through 24. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged ideas on ways to promote the ROK-Bahrain relations and discussed ways to work together in the field of human rights. Dong-ik and Abdullah shared the view that continued high-level exchanges are essential for the improvement of relations between the South Korea and Bahrain.[60]

Spain |  | See Bahrain–Spain relations

* Bahrain is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France.
* Spain is accredited to Bahrain from its embassy in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Turkey | 4 December 1973 | See Bahrain–Turkey relations

Relations between Bahrain and Turkey were officially established on December 4, 1973.[61] The relation between these two countries are considered positive, with trade at 78.1 million U.S dollars in 2006. Almost double then the amount then it was 2003.[62] In 2007, trade was at 186 million U.S dollars.[63]

Syria |  | See Bahrain–Syria relations
United Arab Emirates |  | See Bahrain–United Arab Emirates relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Abu Dhabi.
* United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Manama.
* Bahrain's Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa married Dubai's Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, a daughter of the Emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on 28 September 2009.

United Kingdom | 21 August 1971 | See Bahrain–United Kingdom relations

Bahrain established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 21 August 1971.

* Bahrain maintains an embassy in London.[64]
* The United Kingdom is accredited to Bahrain through its embassy in Manama.[65]

The UK governed Bahrain from 1861 to 1971, when it achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the World Trade Organization, as well as the Bahrain–US Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.[66] Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Agreement.[67] Both countries are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.[68]

United States |  | See Bahrain–United States relations

* Bahrain has an embassy in Washington, D.C.
* United States has an embassy in Manama.

## See also

[edit]

* Ministry of Foreign Affairs
* List of diplomatic missions in Bahrain
* List of diplomatic missions of Bahrain
* Territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf
* Bahrain–European Union relations

## References

[edit]

1. ^ 50 Years of Singapore and the United Nations. World Scientific. 2015. ISBN 978-981-4713-03-0.access-date=28 March 2024
2. ^ "Minister of Foreign Affairs". www.mofa.gov.bh. Archived from the original on 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
3. ^ "Archives". Archived from the original on 2006-06-30. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
4. ^ "Scud hits Bahrain" New Sunday Times archive, 23 Feb. 1991
5. ^ Presidential Determination on the designation of Bahrain as a major Non-NATO ally,White House archives
6. ^ Bahrain offers exile to Saddam-The Telegraph, 20 Mar 2003
7. ^ "Iran and Bahrain: Ancient Ambitions, New Tactics". Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. 2018-03-07. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
8. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » Gandhi's ideals 'vital for world'". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
9. ^ "Bahraini footballer pleads in court against deportation". BBC News. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
10. ^ "Hakeem al-Araibi: Thailand frees refugee footballer". BBC News. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
11. ^ "'We won': Hakeem Al-Araibi set to walk free after Thai court drops extradition order". SBS News. 11 February 2019. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
12. ^ a b c Truu, Maani (9 February 2019). "Questions raised over Thailand and Bahrain's 'close ties' as Hakeem Al-Araibi's detention continues". SBS News. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
13. ^ Stamocostas, Con (7 February 2019). "EXCLUSIVE: Corruption, press-threats and $400 million standing between Hakeem and freedom". FTBL. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
14. ^ "GCC, NEW High Potential Market". Thaimart Bahrain. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
15. ^ "Bilateral relations". Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
16. ^ "Aufnahme diplomatischer Beziehungen mit Bahrain, Katar, Oman und der Föderation der arabischen Emirate. Akkreditierung von Herrn Max Casanova als Botschafter in diesen Ländern, mit Sitz in Djeddah". dodis.ch (in German). Retrieved 27 June 2023.
17. ^ "Declaración Conjunta Estableciendo Relaciones Diplomáticas entre la República Argentina y el Estado de Bahrein" (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 May 2023.
18. ^ "COMISIONES UNIDAS DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES Y RELACIONES EXTERIORES, ASIA-PACíFICO" (PDF) (in Spanish). 13 December 2016. p. 7. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
19. ^ "Bilateral relations: Bahrain". Retrieved 12 November 2021.
20. ^ News Review on West Asia, 20. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. 1989. p. 71.
21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Diplomatic relations between Bahrain and ..." United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
22. ^ "Bilateral relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
23. ^ "Список стран, с которыми КР установил дипломатические отношения" (in Russian). Retrieved 10 October 2021.
24. ^ "16-17-18-21-22-23-24 settembre 2020" (in Italian). pp. 15–16. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
25. ^ "Kingdom of Bahrain announces establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste". Archived from the original on 25 December 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
26. ^ "Timeline: Israel-Gulf normalization moves follow years of failed diplomatic initiatives". Reuters. 15 September 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
27. ^ "Bahrain says envoy to Israel returned home, Israel says ties stable". 2 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
28. ^ "Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Central African Republic sign joint statement". mofa.gov.bh. 24 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
29. ^ "Bahrain, Vanuatu sign statement on establishing diplomatic relations". Bahrain News Agency. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
30. ^ "Nigeria, Bahrain to strengthen diplomatic ties". 9 February 2025. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
31. ^ 'India against Security Council membership without veto', Web India, 29 December 2004
32. ^ "Login". Retrieved 21 February 2015.[dead link‍]
33. ^ Juan Cole, Sacred Space and Holy War, IB Tauris, 2007 p. 45
34. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » MPs on goodwill visit to India..." Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
35. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » New society vows to boost India ties". Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
36. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » $450 MILLION DEALS SIGNED". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
37. ^ Al Kalifa, Khaled. "Tweet". Twitter. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
38. ^ El Gamal, Rania (12 August 2012). "Bahrain returns its ambassador to Iran". Reuters. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
39. ^ "Bahrain summons Iran diplomat over 'flagrant interference'". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
40. ^ "Bahrain recalls ambassador from Iran over 'meddling' - Bahrain News - Al Jazeera". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
41. ^ Bahrain withdraws ambassador from Iran Archived 2021-03-08 at the Wayback Machine. The Daily Star. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
42. ^ Bahrain withdraws ambassador from Tehran. Gulf News. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
43. ^ "Iran expels Bahrain envoy: state media - News, Middle East - THE DAILY STAR". www.dailystar.com.lb. Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
44. ^ Ahmed A Omran. "Bahrain Severs Diplomatic Ties with Iran". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
45. ^ John Bacon. "Saudi Arabia severs ties with Iran". USA Today. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
46. ^ "Israel-Hamas War Day 27 | Israeli Army Encircles Gaza City, Blinken to Push for Humanitarian Pause". Haaretz.
47. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » THE WAY FORWARD". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
48. ^ "Bahrain plans major Kazakhstan investment". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
49. ^ "Gulf Daily News » Local News » Seize investment opportunities". Retrieved 21 February 2015.
50. ^ "Bahrain recognizes Kosovo". Bahrain News Agency. 2009-05-19. Archived from the original on 2009-05-23. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
51. ^ "Bahrain, Kosovo establish diplomatic relations". Gulf News. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
52. ^ Rebecca Torr (23 January 2009). "Embassy to boost Malaysia relations". Gulf Daily News. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
53. ^ "Official Website of Embassy of Malaysia, Manama". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
54. ^ APP (2 December 2010). "Pakistan attaches high importance to ties with Bahrain: PM". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
55. ^ "Doha". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain. Archived from the original on 2014-07-02. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
56. ^ "Qatar Embassy in Bahrain". Visa HQ. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
57. ^ "Qatar Pursues an Independent Foreign Policy that Clashes with the Saudi's Strategic Interests". Eurasia Diary. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
58. ^ "Saudi Diplomatic Offensive on Qatar to Barely Impact Anti-Terror Fight in Region". Sputnik International. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
59. ^ "Bahrain and Qatar Restore Diplomatic Ties". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
60. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea-Press Releases". Archived from the original on 2016-10-20. Retrieved 2019-08-24.
61. ^ Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Kingdom of Bahrain Archived 2009-02-18 at the Wayback Machine
62. ^ "Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
63. ^ "Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 2016-07-16. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
64. ^ Diplomat Magazine (18 September 2018). "Bahrain". Diplomat Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
65. ^ "British Embassy Manama". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
66. ^ Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Falconer, Hamish (6 December 2024). "UK joins US-Bahrain agreement to build security across the Middle East". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
67. ^ HM Revenue & Customs (27 October 1990). "Bahrain: tax treaties". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
68. ^ Smout, Alistair (22 June 2023). "Britain launches free trade talks with Gulf countries". Reuters. London. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

* This article incorporates public domain material from The World Factbook. CIA.
* This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.

* v
* t
* e

Foreign relations of Bahrain

Americas|

* United States

Asia|

* Bangladesh
* India
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Iraq
* Israel
* Japan
* Kuwait
* Malaysia
* Pakistan
* Palestine
* Philippines
* Qatar
* Russia
* Saudi Arabia
* Thailand
* Turkey
* United Arab Emirates
* Yemen

Europe|

* Germany
* United Kingdom

Multilateral relations|

* European Union
* Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
* Arab League
* Gulf Cooperation Council
* Non-Aligned Movement
* Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries

Diplomatic missions|

* Diplomatic missions of Bahrain / in Bahrain

* v
* t
* e

Foreign relations of Asia

Sovereign states|

* Afghanistan
* Armenia
* Azerbaijan
* Bahrain
* Bangladesh
* Bhutan
* Brunei
* Cambodia
* China
* Cyprus
* Egypt
* Georgia
* India
* Indonesia
* Iran
* Iraq
* Israel
* Japan
* Jordan
* Kazakhstan
* North Korea
* South Korea
* Kuwait
* Kyrgyzstan
* Laos
* Lebanon
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Mongolia
* Myanmar
* Nepal
* Oman
* Pakistan
* Philippines
* Qatar
* Russia
* Saudi Arabia
* Singapore
* Sri Lanka
* Syria
* Tajikistan
* Thailand
* Timor-Leste (East Timor)
* Turkey
* Turkmenistan
* United Arab Emirates
* Uzbekistan
* Vietnam
* Yemen

States with
limited recognition|

* Abkhazia
* Northern Cyprus
* Palestine
* South Ossetia
* Taiwan

* Category
* Asia portal

* v
* t
* e

Bahrain articles

History|

* Dilmun
* Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami
* Antonio Correia
* 1717 Omani invasion
* History of Bahrain (1783–1971)
* Bani Utbah invasion
* Administrative reforms of the 1920s
* First Oil Well
* National Union Committee
* March Intifada
* 1981 Bahraini coup attempt
* 1990s uprising
* 2000s
* 2011 uprising

Geography|

* Administrative divisions
* Buildings
* Climate
* Cities
* Extreme points
* Governorates
* Islands
* Wildlife

Politics|

* Cabinet
* Constitution
* Elections
* Foreign relations
* Human rights
* LGBT
* Women
* LGBT history
* King
* Law enforcement
* Military
* Opposition
* Political parties
* Prime Minister
* Visa policy

Economy|

* Agriculture
* Bahraini dinar (currency)
* Communications
* Companies
* Tourism
* Transport
* Stock exchange
* Central Bank

Culture|

* Cuisine
* Education
* Flag
* Polygamy
* Public holidays
* Sport
* Internet
* Media
* Art
* Cinema
* Theatre
* Literature
* Newspaper
* Music
* National Anthem
* Radio
* Television

Demographics|

* Ethnic groups
* Languages
* Religion
* Freedom of religion

* Outline
* Index

* Category
* Portal

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template