Bahrain and France have taken significant steps to deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on areas such as defense, energy, and technology. In recent talks held in Paris, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the longstanding ties between the two nations, exploring avenues to bolster cooperation in support of shared economic and security interests.
Central to their discussions was the enhancement of defense and security collaboration, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of protecting national interests and promoting regional stability. King Hamad condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reinforcing Bahrain’s solidarity with the kingdom. He commended France for its efforts in maintaining maritime security and fostering stability in the Middle East. Macron reiterated France’s commitment to strengthening coordination on defense and regional security, also noting potential industrial collaborations, particularly with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba).
Energy security emerged as another pivotal topic, with both sides underscoring the necessity of reliable energy supplies. A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This agreement, signed by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, aims to enhance expertise and technical capabilities for a civilian nuclear energy program through specialized training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The leaders also discussed potential joint projects in energy, industry, and transportation, including initiatives like proposed railway connectivity linking Bahrain with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The conversations extended to regional and international developments, with a focus on addressing Middle Eastern challenges through respect for national sovereignty and adherence to international law.
During the visit, King Hamad awarded President Macron the Collar of the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Exceptional Class, recognizing his contributions to strengthening ties between Bahrain and France. The meeting ultimately reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across defense, energy, industry, and advanced technology sectors.