BAHRAIN NEWS CENTER : ENGLISH NEWS 19-09-2026
His majesty kingd al- Khalifa met with the president of the helanic republic Constantinus Tasulas at the presidential palace in the Greek capital Athens on the occasion of his majesty's visit to Greece. Upon arrival his majesty the king was received by the Greek president. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. The Greek president welcomed his majesty and praised his visit which advances Bahraini Greek relations. His Majesty expressed thanks and appreciation to the president for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and his hope that this visit would mark a new and significant milestone for further development and growth in relations between the two friendly nations. At the beginning of the meeting, the Greek president and his majesty the king delivered addresses on the occasion. Foreign Foreisto Megal status zone. economic capitalis Apostolic. Foreigne Propharindic syndrome. epithet. for Skepis authority. for Pharaoh. Wow. for Oh, polymorph. Speech. Speech. Speech. Pharaoh. mech. visitors to for foreign speech. The two sides reviewed aspects of the bilateral relations and ways to support joint cooperation in various fields for the prosperity of the two countries and their peoples. They also discussed regional international developments of mutual interest mainly the latest developments in the Middle East. Both sides stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and the security of waterways mainly in the straight of Hormuz and Babel Mandup strait as well as the necessity that any arrangements regarding them be based on international law and the United Nations convention on the law of the sea to ensure the safety of international trade and the smooth functioning of supply chains. At the conclusion of their meeting, his majesty the king and the Greek president affirmed the two countries commitment to continuing to advance their relations and to boosting joint efforts in a manner that serves their mutual interests. They also affirmed their support for all efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, prosperity, and peace in the Middle East in the best interests of the region's countries and peoples. His Majesty the king renewed his invitation to the president to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting between his majesty king hmed bin Isa al- Khalifa and the president of Greece, his excellency Costantino Stasulas reaffirms the deeprooted historical ties between Bahrain and Greece built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and understanding. During their discussions, his majesty the king and his excellency the president strongly affirmed their shared commitment to exerting utmost effort to maintain global peace, security and stability. They also deliberated about a wide range of regional and international topics of common interest. Driven by the steadfast support of both leaders, relations between Manama and Athens continue to witness remarkable development across all fields, advancing steadily to fulfill the aspirations of both leaders, serving their common interests, and delivering sustainable prosperity to their peoples. From Athens reporting for Bahrain International, I am Aisha Ibrahim. >> His Majesty Kingda al- Khalifa met with the prince or the prime minister of the Helenic Republic Kerakos Mitsutakis in the Greek capital Athens during his majesty's visit to the country. On the occasion, his majesty affirmed the deep historical ties between Bahin and Greece, as well as the continuous development of these relations across various fields and highlighted the importance of further enhancing bilateral cooperation to serve the mutual interests of both countries. >> It's a real pleasure to welcome you to Greece and thank you for making the time to visit us during these extremely turbulent times. There is a lot to discuss about what's happening in the region. I would like again to reiterate our total commitment to your security and your territorial integrity in light of what has happened u um over the past months but also to stress the particular importance I place towards strengthening our bilateral relationship. We have made progress over the past years, but I think there is much more um that we can do on the bilateral front, especially when it comes to shared investments in our countries. So, I'm very much looking forward to this discussion and again, thank you so much for taking the time to visit Greece. >> Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I came to really thank you for all your support. I mean Greece has been a real friend uh to Bahrain and to the region for many many years and uh it's been like this a good relationship which cares about stability of our region and of course the same thing about Greece a stable Greece. This is a credit for all for Europe and for our part of the world. You are in between the two worlds. And I hope what we have and what we know will be carried by Greece to our friends in Europe. So the position in Europe can be clear about what's happening in the Gulf and with that I think things will settle well. because I bring you regards from everybody whom have met you, known you and known Greece and we hope we can move forward with our bilaterals. There are so many things, so many things we can do together in shipping, in ports, in aviation, in industry, tourism, and we are doing that and I hope you know our ambassadors and our offices and this what's important is the followup of visits that people that we can follow up and and achieve something. Nothing else but to thank you again for your support. >> Well, thank you again. Thank you. >> His majesty expressed pleasure at visiting Greece and conveyed his appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. His majesty affirmed that the bond between Bahrain and Greece transcends history and promotes the security of maritime corridors, freedom of trade and stability of a region upon which the world relies for energy security supply chains and international trade. His Majesty noted that Bahrain and Greece are maritime nations as Greece possesses one of the world's largest merchant fields fleets rather while Bahrain is at the heart of the Arabian Gulf and hosts key maritime security partnerships in the region. His Majesty stressed that both countries are affected by any threat to maritime navigation and share a collective responsibility to lead efforts aimed at preventing such threats. His majesty the king reaffirmed Bahrain steadfast position regarding navigation in the state of Hormuz based on the necessity for any arrangements to be grounded in the UN conventure on the law of the sea and endorsed by the international maritime organization which guarantee the right of transit passage for all vessels without discrimination fees or permit requirements to avoid setting a precedent that could impact commercial fleets worldwide. His Majesty also expressed appreciation for Greece's principal stances based on international law as well as the close cooperation between the two countries delegations during their current membership in the UN Security Council. His majesty asserted that the visit aims to translate the long-standing friendship between the two nations into tangible results and effective cooperation in sectors such as maritime transport, ports, investment, and defense. It also seeks to bolster Bahrain's partnership with the European Union to enhance security and stability while supporting development and prosperity. His majesty expressed his anticipation of fruitful outcomes from the discussions and extended an invitation to the prime minister to visit Bahin. For his part, the Greek prime minister welcomed his majesty and his visit to Greece, noting that the visit takes place amid his exceptional circumstances and challenges. He underscored the importance of his majesty's visit and expressed keen interest in further enhancing bilateral relations building upon the progress achieved in recent years and looked forward to advancing cooperation particularly regarding joint investments between the two nations. He highlighted the shared aspirations of Bahin and Greece to enhance global security and stability. Regarding regional developments, the prime minister reaffirmed his country's full commitment to the security and territorial integrity of Bahrain in light of events over the past months. The meeting reviewed enhancing the close cooperation between the two countries mainly in maritime transport, ports, trade, economy, investment, technology, and defense in a manner that serves mutual interests, meets the aspirations of their two people for further progress and prosperity and fosters coordination in international forums. His majesty the king and the Greek prime minister also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, the repercussions on regional security and stability and the security of international navigation as well as the efforts being made in this regard. They also exchanged views on regional international affairs. Both sides noted the importance of finding peaceful solutions to the crisis and conflicts in the region and the world through dialogue and diplomatic efforts based on international law to establish peace, security, and stability for the benefit of all peoples. They affirm their commitment to advancing fruitful cooperation and constructive joint action across various vital sectors of mutual interest. In honor of his majesty the king, the Greek prime minister hosted a lunchon attended by members of the delegation accompanying his majesty and senior Greek government officials. As part of the visit of his majesty kingda al- Khalifa to Greece, his majesty met with the Greek prime minister, his excellency Kiryakos Mitsotakis to discuss the bilateral relations between Bahin and Greece and means to further advance them. Their talks focused on exploring new avenues for cooperation, expanding partnership between Bahrain and Greece across multiple fields and reinforcing efforts to serve the mutual interests of both countries and peoples. From Athens, reporting for Bahrain International, I am Aisha Brahim. Bahin and Greece have enjoyed diplomatic relations spanning more than five decades during which cooperation between the two countries has witnessed continuous development in a number of areas of mutual interest. Cooperation between Manama and Athens is expanding underpinned by shared interests and a vision that supports security, stability and the partnership between the two countries. More in this report. The Kingdom of Bahin and Greece have enjoyed more than five decades of diplomatic relations which have developed over the years to encompass a wide range of political, economic, commercial, investment and tourism ties. These relations are based on continuous coordination and consultation supported by agreements and memorandum of understanding in a number of fields alongside a mutual commitment to increasing cooperation and opening up new areas for partnership between the public and private sectors in both countries. Areas of cooperation include trade, investment, tourism, technology, and the environment, as well as energy, transport, digital networks, and the movement of people. Economically, trade reflects a growing aspect of these relations while the industry, investment, tourism, and logistics sectors stand out as areas with potential for further expansion in the coming period. Politically, cooperation between Manama and Athens gained an additional dimension in 2026, coinciding with the two countries non-permanent memberships in the UN Security Council, which opens up a broader scope for coordination and consultation on issues before the council and for supporting international peace and security and respect for international law. Multiple avenues are shaping the Bahini Greek relations, moving beyond bilateral cooperation to become a broader partnership that combines economic interests, diplomatic coordination, and joint action on regional and international affairs. The vice president of the Bahin Olympic Committee and head of Bahrain's delegation, his highness is bin Ali al- Khalifa, attended the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Japan. His highness highlighted the support for the team encouraging the athletes as they begin their participation in the continental event. His highness said Bahrain's participation in the games marks an important occasion for Bahraini athletes and wished for their success in the competitions. His highness also expressed confidence in the athletes ability to give their best and represent the kingdom with distinction at the Asian event. The opening ceremony was held at the Nagagoya City, Ms. Uhu Park Athletic Stadium in a celebratory atmosphere combining traditional Japanese culture with modern music. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdul Lativ Rashid de Zani met in New York with Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation Ben Black on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. During the meeting, both sides discussed the course of the distinguished relations of friendship and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States, the advanced level these relations have reached, as well as the opportunities available for developing them in various economic sectors, and focused on ways to broaden the horizons of joint cooperation, investment, and development. They also exchanged uh views on regional developments and their implications for security and stability, the global economy and international trade as a result of the disruption of maritime navigation in the straight of Hermuz Babel Mandep strait and the Red Sea. The minister of foreign affairs Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid de Zani met at the United Nations headquarters in New York with UN Secretary General Antonio Gutish on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Guteres welcomed Dr. Zayi and asked him to convey his regards to his majesty king Mhammed bisa al- Khalifa and his royal highness the crown prince and prime minister prince Salman bham al- khalifa expressing his appreciation for the distinguished relations between bahin and the United Nations and its specialized agencies in all areas of mutual interest for his part the minister foreign affairs conveyed the greetings of his majesty and his royal highness the crown prince and prime minister to the UN secretary general along their appreciation for the efforts he is making to enhance the role of the United Nations in addressing current international issues and challenges. Dr. Zeni expressed Baharin's pride in its ongoing com cooperative relations with the UN and its various agencies across all fields and in the constructive achievements that have contributed to the activation of joint cooperation efforts to support the kingdom's comprehensive development process and realize its aspirations for further progress and prosperity. The parties discussed the latest regional developments and the challenges facing countries in the region, the repercussions of the disruption of shipping in the state of Hormuz and Babel Mandep strait as well as the issues on the agenda of the UN General Assembly. They also exchange views on the efforts being made by the UN Security Council to resolve regional conflicts and support efforts to boost international peace and security. The Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahin Economic Development Board, EDB, Nurl, received a delegation of representatives of European Union member states. The meeting took place as part of the delegation's joint official visit to Bahrain and was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Bahrain EDB. highlighted the growing relations and close partnership between Bahrain, the EU and its member states across various fields. She asserted the commitment to further advancing cooperation mainly in the economic and sustainable development fields, exploring further opportunities that contribute to advancing sustainable development and supporting economic growth and prosperity. The meeting also discussed topics of common interest and opportunities to enhance cooperation, exchange expertise, and broaden the partnership between Bahrain and EU member states. The ambassadors lorded Bahrain's progress and development across various domains, stressing their country's commitment to further boosting cooperation and partnership with the kingdom in support of shared aspirations and mutual interests. The Minister of Education Dr. Muhammad bin Mubarak Jama and UAE Minister of Education Sarah Bent Ysef Il Amiri opened college expo 2026 organized by Bahin Bayan School for Government and Private School students. The expo showcases academic programs offered by National Regional International Higher Education Institutions in Bahrain. The two ministers visited the school on the sidelines of the meeting of the committee of GCC ministers of education hosted by Bahin. Vice chairperson of the board of trustees of Bahin Bayan school bint Khalifa al- Khalifa briefed the ministers on the school's educational process and its latest programs and development projects. The ministers told the expo and met members of the school's teaching and administrative staff and was briefed on the key academic programs offered by various national, regional and international higher education institutions in Bahrain. The minister of education accompanied his Imirati counterpart on a field visit to the Muhammad Jabbr Ansari Teachers College at the University of Bahrain. At the start of the visit, the college dean Dr. Lucy Bailey and assistant dean Dr. Mirvat Ilua delivered a presentation detailing the various programs offered by the college. These included applied training programs for students preparing to enter the education sector as well as offers or others for private sector personnel, school leadership training, post-graduate studies, regional partnerships and the international accredititation the college has achieved. Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawirki participated in a session entitled the youth dividident at brain bar 2026 held in Budapest, Hungary. She affirmed that Bahrain under the comprehensive development process led by his majesty the king and guided by his royal highest the crown prince and prime minister prioritizes youth within its development agenda. She noted that investing in youth centers on broadening the horizons of their participation and empowering them to transform their ideas into high quality initiatives and opportunities. She said that Bahrain's commitment to youth is rooted or rooted in longstanding institutional approach exemplified by the establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in 1975. She further asserted that the role of the Ministry of Youth Affairs focuses primarily on formulating policies and strategic directions as well as developing frameworks to support the youth sector. The minister pointed out that the rapid global transformation currently underway are coming or opening up vast opportunities for young people to learn, innovate and create new prospects. She also noted that hope network initiative launched by Bahrain in 2024 was established to create a platform that brings together nations and institutions to exchange ideas and expertise. Youth affairs minister Aaniri met with her counterparts on the sidelines of her participation in BrainBar 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. Minister Tiri met with her Emirati counterpart Dr. Sultan Iliadi to discuss youth cooperation and the exchange of expertise between the two countries. They also discuss means to enhance the role of hope network in supporting cooperation between institutions and young people across the Arab world. The youth minister met with her Libyan counterpart Hayam Isah to discuss developing youth cooperation, boosting communication and exchanging expertise between youth institutions as well as expanding Arab youth cooperation through hope network. She also met deputy state secretary for vocational training, adult learning and youth policy strategies and regulation of Hungary Tor Boris Borbelli Pitza to discuss continued cooperation between the two countries in youth related fields. Minister Tiki Ols government commissioner responsible for a functioning and humane Hungary Mark Rad Radnai. They discussed cooperation in community participation, the use of technology and innovation. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority participated in the sea trade cruise med 2026 exhibition held in Spain as part of the cruise Arabia pavilion. The participation is part of the authorities's commitment to fostering continued cooperation among Gulf destinations in the cruise tourism sector as well as efforts to strengthen the region's presence at leading international specialized events. The authority took part in a number of joint meetings with international troops, companies, and lines with the aim of bolstering relationships with partners, identifying their requirements and priorities, and discussing future opportunities in support of joint efforts to attract cruise ships and enhance the region's presence on the international cruise tourism map. This participation provides an opportunity to showcase Bahrain's tourism assets and the diverse experiences it offers to cruise visitors while also boosting the kingdom's presence within the region's cruise itineraries. As part of the government's ongoing efforts to develop and re-engineer services, 157 services were developed across 22 government bodies between the 15th of January and the 17th of September 2026 as part of plans to continue improving and enhancing institutional efficiency.