Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet today with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who is in Russia on an official visit.
According to the Kremlin press service, the meeting will focus on discussing the current state and future prospects of Russia-Bahrain cooperation in trade and economics, energy, and humanitarian endeavors. Additionally, they will address pressing issues on the international agenda, particularly concerning the Middle East, given Bahrain's presidency in the Arab League. The talks will culminate in the signing of joint documents.
Relations between Russia and Bahrain
Bahrain declared its independence on August 14, 1971 (after being part of the Federation of Arab Principalities of the Persian Gulf from 1968 to 1971). While the USSR recognized the Kingdom of Bahrain as an independent state on August 26, 1971, diplomatic relations were established almost two decades later, on September 28, 1990. Bahrain formally acknowledged the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the USSR on December 28, 1991.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain has visited Russia on numerous occasions, most recently in 2016. The two leaders maintain a political dialogue and frequently communicate. Over the past year, they have spoken on the phone twice - in March 2024 and June 2023. During their March conversation, King Hamad congratulated Putin on his re-election as President of the Russian Federation and extended best wishes for his continued leadership. In their prior discussion, they discussed advancing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.
King Hamad has consistently expressed Bahrain's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Moscow. During the Arab League summit in mid-May, he met with Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, affirming Bahrain's eagerness to broaden fruitful collaboration with Russia across various vital sectors. Additionally, on the day of Putin's inauguration, King Hamad sent him a congratulatory telegram, underscoring Bahrain's determination to strengthen bilateral ties with Russia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS