Manama, 5 September, 2023 (GNP): Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, visited Bahrain on Monday to celebrate the inauguration of Israel’s new embassy in Manama. During the ceremony, both nations expressed their commitment to strengthening economic ties and trade relations.
Ahead of the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords:
A historic and unforgettable visit of FM @elicoh1 to Bahrain where we inaugurated our new embassy, held a series of high level diplomatic meetings, and signed agreements which will further the goals of the #AbrahamAccords.… pic.twitter.com/OZut5b2VEP
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 5, 2023
Cohen and his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif al-Zayani, agreed to collaborate on multiple fronts to boost bilateral relations. Their agenda includes increasing the number of direct flights, enhancing tourism, expanding trade volume, and encouraging investment between the two countries.
The newly established Israeli embassy in Bahrain replaces the first embassy opened in 2021, a year after diplomatic relations were established as part of the Abraham Accords brokered by the United States. Under this historic agreement, Israel also established diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
The ceremony, attended by Foreign Minister Zayani, signifies the pivotal role that the new embassy will play in fostering collaboration and growth between Israel and Bahrain. Both ministers affirmed their commitment to advancing relations across various sectors, including economics, investment, and trade.
Cohen’s visit was also accompanied by a business delegation comprising over 30 companies specializing in high-tech, logistics, and real estate. Earlier, he held discussions with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, focusing on the importance of progressing a free trade agreement and facilitating youth connectivity between Israel and Bahrain.
Foreign Minister Cohen expressed his anticipation for expanding the circle of peace and normalization with other countries in the region. While Israel enjoys stable diplomatic ties with Bahrain and the UAE, some Gulf Arab states have voiced concerns over certain Israeli actions, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque raids in East Jerusalem and events in the Jenin refugee camp.
Also Read: Worldwide Condemnation of Israeli Attack on Aqsa Mosque
Nevertheless, Cohen’s visit coincides with increasing speculation about a forthcoming normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a country not part of the Abraham Accords. Talks have reportedly taken place between Riyadh and Washington to outline conditions for advancing normalization with Tel Aviv.
Cohen acknowledged growing interest from other Arab and Muslim nations in joining the peace and normalization efforts, although he did not specify which countries are involved.
Cohen had previously generated controversy by revealing a secret meeting with his Libyan counterpart in Rome, aimed at discussing normalization. This revelation led to protests in Libya, the dismissal of the Libyan foreign minister, and internal criticism in Israel for disclosing sensitive meeting details.