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UAE President, Bahrain King Discuss Middle East Peace

The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at his residence in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and His Majesty King Hamad engaged in cordial talks, reflecting the strong ties between the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain and their peoples.

The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, with the aim of advancing both nations’ development goals and meeting their peoples’ aspirations for continued progress and prosperity.

In addition to reviewing relations between the UAE and Bahrain, His Highness and His Majesty also reaffirmed the importance of further strengthening collaboration across the Gulf region for the mutual benefit of the GCC member states and to help realise the ambitions of their citizens.

The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the importance of pursuing all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace process that will promote stability, development, and prosperity for people throughout the region.

The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security, and a number of Sheikhs and officials.

From the Bahraini side, Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council, and Royal Guard Commander; His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), attended the meeting.

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Bahrain King Confers Medal of Independence on UAE Envoy

His Majesty emphasized the keenness of both nations in continuing to strengthen and develop bonds in various fields, based on strong mutual historical ties…reports Asian Lite News

King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, awarded the First Class Medal of Independence to Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, in appreciation of his efforts to consolidate bilateral relations and bonds of fraternal cooperation.

During his reception of Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan at Sakhir Palace, on the occasion of the end of his tenure as the UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, His Majesty stressed the depth and the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Bahrain leaderships and brotherly peoples.

Moreover, His Majesty emphasized the keenness of both nations in continuing to strengthen and develop bonds in various fields, based on strong mutual historical ties, underscoring the continued development and prosperity as a result of close cooperation, and coordination that meet the aspirations of the two nations and peoples and achieve their mutual interests.

His Majesty praised the distinguished position the UAE holds at the regional and international levels, and the achievements it has attained including an all-encompassing and excellent performance in all sectors under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and wished the UAE and its people security, stability, prosperity and progress.

For his part, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan expressed his pride and gratitude to His Majesty for conferring the Medal. Furthermore, H.E. expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s role and keenness in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan extended his sincere appreciation to His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the support and cooperation he encountered during his tenure in Bahrain. He also thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the warm welcome they extended to him, wishing both the government and people of Bahrain continued progress, and prosperity.

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UAE, Bahrain Cement Ties, Sign 5 MoUs

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of elevating bilateral cooperation levels within international institutions, organisations, and multilateral initiatives….reports Asian Lite News

UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the UAE-Bahrain ties have deep-rooted historical relations established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

While chairing the 11th session of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee, Sheikh Abdullah welcomed Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, who chaired the Bahraini side.

Addressing the participants, Sheikh Abdullah commended the continued joint efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, saying, “The UAE has always regarded Bahrain as a strategic partner and an integral part of the progress and prosperity in the Arabian Gulf and the entire region.”

“We have witnessed significant growth in our non-oil bilateral trade, reaching around $7 billion in 2022. We look forward to enhancing our bilateral relationship in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, culture, renewable energy, financial technology, tourism, and health. This includes working together within the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development launched by the UAE with Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt last year,” Sheikh Abdullah added.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of elevating bilateral cooperation levels within international institutions, organisations, and multilateral initiatives.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Dr. Alzayani signed the minutes of the 11th session of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, and officials from both countries.

Following the session, Sheikh Abdullah and Dr. Alzayani witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.

An MoU between the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Bahraini Civil Service Bureau was signed by Alzayani and Laila Obaid Al Suwaidi, Acting Director-General of the FAHR.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs of Bahrain was signed by Al Marar and Dr. Alzayani.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and the Nasser Vocational Training Centre in Bahrain was signed by Dr. Al Falasi and Dr. Alzayani.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the United Arab Emirates University and the University of Bahrain was signed by Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University and Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of the University of Bahrain.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Dubai Future Foundation and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain was signed by Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Dr. Alzayani.

ALSO READ: UAE President Urges G20 To Work For Peace In Region

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Bahrain Severs Ties With Israel

Bahrain’s envoy to Israel has been recalled and the Arab nation’s Council of Representatives confirmed that the Israeli ambassador had left Manama….reports Asian Lite News

The government in Bahrain announced that it has suspended economic ties with Israel in wake of the ongoing war in Gaza, adding that the country’s envoy to the Jewish nation has also returned home.

Israel and Bahrain had normalised their ties in 2020 under the so-called us-brokered Abraham Accords.

In a statement late Thursday, the Arab nation’s Council of Representatives confirmed that the Israeli ambassador had left Bahrain.

“The Council of Representatives affirms that the Israeli ambassador in the kingdom of Bahrain has left Bahrain and the kingdom of Bahrain has decided on the return of the Bahrain ambassador to Israel. The cessation of economic relations was also decided.”

It added that the decisions confirmed Bahrain’s support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinians.

“The Council affirms that the continuation of war and military operations, and the continuing Israeli escalation in light of the lack of respect for international humanitarian law, prompts the Council to demand more decisions and measures that preserve the lives and lives of innocent people and civilians in Gaza and all Palestinian areas,” the Council said in a statement.

“His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed his pride and pride in the keenness and interest given by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the country, may God protect and preserve him, to support the Palestinian cause, and his firm and unwavering position, and the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” it added.

Bahrain’s National Communication Center confirmed the move and said that the “priority of efforts at this stage must be focused on protecting the lives of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and working to secure urgent humanitarian corridors to deliver relief and medical aid to the Gaza Strip,” the Arab News reported.

It added that there is a “need to spare the region from the consequences of a new cycle of violence and work to find a clear political horizon for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace that guarantees stability and security for all.”

However, Israel insisted that no such decision was made and that ties between the two countries remain “stable”.

“We would like to clarify that no notification or decision has been received from the government of Bahrain or the government of Israel to return the countries’ ambassadors,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Relations between Israel and Bahrain are stable,” it added.

On Tuesday, Bolivia severed its diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the Palestinian death toll in Gaza due to Israeli strikes, while Jordan, Chile, and Colombia recalled their ambassadors.

Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lior Haiat denounced Bolivia’s decision as “a surrender to terrorism” and accused the South American country of “aligning itself with Hamas”.

Fighting intensifies in Northern Gaza

The fighting between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas, in the nearly five-week-old war, has intensified in northern Gaza.

“This is not a small-scale operation,” Israeli military official Moshe Tetro told international media during an online briefing on Thursday. “Northern Gaza is the place of war.” 

Tetro, from the IDF unit that coordinates Israeli government activities in the Palestinian territories, said, “We call on the population of Gaza to go south, where we will allow humanitarian supplies.”

He said the displaced Gazans could return to their home areas when the war is over.  

But he seemed to downplay the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes and ground invasion. “We are not close to any kind of humanitarian crisis.”

According to media reports from the Middle East, citing the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war so far.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie said in a statement, viewed on social media, that 40 percent of those dying in Gaza are children.

ALSO READ: Israel Closes Doors to Palestinian Workers from Gaza

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Two Bahrain Soldiers Killed in Houthi Attack

Bahrain’s military command said a drone attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels killed the two Bahraini soldiers…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has accused the Houthi rebels, alleging their responsibility for an attack resulting in the deaths of two Bahraini soldiers and the injury of several others along the southern border of the Kingdom.

“We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the leadership and people of the sisterly state of Bahrain, and to the families of the heroic martyrs,” the ministry said in a statement published on X (formerly Twitter).

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands by the sisterly state of Bahrain and renews its stance of rejection to the continued flow of weapons to the terrorist Houthi militia as well as calls to ban arms export to Yemeni territories.”

Bahrain’s military command said a drone attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels killed the two Bahraini soldiers — one an officer — at Saudi Arabia’s southern border early Monday. The soldiers had been patrolling the area, the Arab News reported.

The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge carrying out the attack as efforts to strike a peace deal between Riyadh and the rebels continue, it was reported.

The military’s statement, carried by the state-run Bahrain News Agency, said “a number” of Bahraini soldiers were also wounded in the strike, without elaborating, the Arab News reported.

“This terrorist attack was carried out by the Houthis, who sent aircraft targeting the position of the Bahraini guards on the southern border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia despite the halt of military operations between the warring sides in Yemen,” the statement said.

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Chery Bahrain marks ‘Onam’ festival with key partnership

The event offered a range of activities including a major procession, as well as contests for fashion, cooking, flower carpet design, and drawing, with visitors winning several prizes…reports Asian Lite News

In line with its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s diverse communities, Chery Bahrain facilitated the smooth organization of ‘Onolsavam’, a festival held at Dana Mall to mark ‘Onam’, celebrated by Keralites worldwide every year. Chery Bahrain was the exclusive transportation partner for the event, providing services to celebrity TV anchors Jeeva Jospeh and Meenakshi Ravendran.

Organised by Gulf Madhyamam, the event offered a range of activities including a major procession, as well as contests for fashion, cooking, flower carpet design, and drawing, with visitors winning several prizes.

Motorcity Assistant General Manager, Saad Alzowayed, took part in the festivities. He commented: “We believe in the power of community engagement. Participating in events like ‘Onolsavam’ is not just about providing transportation services, it’s about building better relations and offering support to the diverse communities that enrich our Kingdom. We are proud to be a part of this event showcasing Bahrain’s cultural diversity.”

In attendance were Motorcity Head of Sales, Sooraj Kumaran; Second Secretary of Indian Embassy Bahrain, Ravi Kumar Jain; actress and celebrity anchor, Meenakshi Raveendran; Regional Manager of Gulf Madhyamam Bahrain, Jaleel Abdulla; and Operational General Manager, Sajith T, in addition to several distinguished guests and senior officials from Lulu.

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Israel Opens New Embassy in Bahrain

The Bahraini top diplomat said that “the historic step is another important milestone in relations between the two countries”….reports Asian Lite News

Israel opened its new embassy in Bahrain, days ahead of the three-year anniversary of a US-brokered deal in which the kingdom agreed to normalise relations with Israel, the media reported.

The embassy was officially inaugurated in the presence of visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the Bahrain News Agency quoted Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as saying on Monday.

The Bahraini top diplomat said that “the historic step is another important milestone in relations between the two countries”.

During a joint press conference, the Bahraini official also reiterated the kingdom’s “firm position in support of achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” according to the report.

The trip marks Cohen’s first visit to one of the countries that established diplomatic relations with Israel under the so-called Abraham Accords in 2020, which also include the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. 

Cohen assumed office in late December when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was inaugurated, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the visit, Cohen and his Bahraini counterpart discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technological exchange, training, and tourism, according to the report.

In his meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Bahraini capital of Manama on Monday, Cohen expressed Israel’s desire to sign normalisation deals with more Arab countries, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

ALSO READ: Bahrain and Israel Strengthen Ties with Embassy Launch

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Bahrain and Israel Strengthen Ties with Embassy Launch

The Bahraini top diplomat said that “the historic step is another important milestone in relations between the two countries”…reports Asian Lite News

 Israel opened its new embassy in Bahrain, days ahead of the three-year anniversary of a US-brokered deal in which the kingdom agreed to normalise relations with Israel, the media reported.

The embassy was officially inaugurated in the presence of visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the Bahrain News Agency quoted Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as saying on Monday.

The Bahraini top diplomat said that “the historic step is another important milestone in relations between the two countries”.

During a joint press conference, the Bahraini official also reiterated the kingdom’s “firm position in support of achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” according to the report.

The trip marks Cohen’s first visit to one of the countries that established diplomatic relations with Israel under the so-called Abraham Accords in 2020, which also include the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. 

Cohen assumed office in late December when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was inaugurated, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the visit, Cohen and his Bahraini counterpart discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technological exchange, training, and tourism, according to the report.

In his meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Bahraini capital of Manama on Monday, Cohen expressed Israel’s desire to sign normalisation deals with more Arab countries, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

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UAE, Bahrain hail close bilateral ties

The meeting was co-chaired by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, and Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Under-Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain…reports Asian Lite News

Reflecting the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties and strategic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, a Diplomatic Cooperation Working Group meeting took place in Abu Dhabi between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.

The meeting was convened following the outcomes of the 10th session of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Committee meeting held on 23rd October, 2022, in Manama.

The meeting was co-chaired by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, and Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Under-Secretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.

Al Marar welcomed Dr. Al Khalifa and the Bahraini delegation and commended the close bilateral ties between the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, which are based on deep relations between the two countries and the distinguished and solid historical ties between the leaderships of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Al Marar emphasised the keenness of the two countries to further enhance relations and the importance of continued consultation within the framework of joint coordination for the benefit of both nations and peoples.

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Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait appoints Madhav Nair as CEO- India

Madhav is highly regarded in banking circles for his expertise in policy advocacy specially in the areas of ESG, Internationalisation of Rupee and Digital Banking…reports Asian Lite News

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has announced the appointment of Madhav Nair as the Country Head & CEO for India.

Madhav flair has around 3 decades of commercial banking experience across India and Middle East. Madhav has done his Masters in Management (General Management & Strategy) from Asian Institute of Management, Philippines and Bachelors in Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology. Prior to joining BBK he has worked with several international banks in senior management positions and his last assignment was as Country Head & CEO of a bank in India which he successfully led for more than a decade.

Madhav is highly regarded in banking circles for his expertise in policy advocacy specially in the areas of ESG, Internationalisation of Rupee and Digital Banking. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM National Council for Banking and member of the National Committee on Banking & Finance, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and Indian Merchants Chambers (IMC).

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait is headquartered out of Bahrain and has four branches in India across Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Aluva (Kerala).

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