Manama, Sep. 30 (BNA): The results and major accomplishments of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s official visit to Vatican City and the Italian Republic were praised by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister highlights HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s official visit to Vatican, Italian Republic as diplomatic milestone
In order to promote development, peace, and intercultural understanding, he emphasized the significance of the visit in fortifying historical links and promoting diplomatic and humanitarian collaborations with both friendly nations. He pointed out that the visit is a reflection of the Kingdom’s prudent foreign policy strategy, which is led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasized the importance of the high-level meetings that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister held during the visit, including with senior officials, political, economic, and religious figures, as well as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, and Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic.
He claimed that these gatherings were a significant turning point in Bahrain’s continuous diplomatic efforts to strengthen strategic alliances, create links for international cooperation, and promote security, peace, coexistence, and sustainable development on a national, regional, and worldwide scale.
The Framework Collaboration Agreement on Cooperation in Investments, which was signed with Italy, was also mentioned by the Minister. This would create more chances to improve economic relations and boost trade and investment. He conveyed gratitude to Italy for acknowledging Bahrain’s role in housing the Italian naval assets as part of the Combined Maritime assets, as well as its status as a hub for regional business and trade and an active participant in advancing global peace and security.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasized that the visit demonstrated Bahrain and Italy’s common diplomatic vision, especially with regard to their dedication to regional and international peace and stability. Both parties demanded that humanitarian help be sent to Gaza immediately, that a ceasefire be implemented, and that the two-state solution be supported in the creation of an independent Palestinian state. They also emphasized the significance of fostering multilateral cooperation founded on the UN Charter and peacefully settling disputes. As Bahrain gets ready to host the next GCC Summit and take over its non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, the visit also helped strengthen the strategic cooperation between the Gulf and Europe.
Strong humanitarian, cultural, and civilizational linkages between Bahrain and Italy and the Vatican, which are based on a shared history and set of human principles, were also evident throughout the visit. It also emphasized how Bahrain’s innovative efforts and its position as a leader in religious freedom and intercultural communication had gained international attention. The UN’s adoption of the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the royal call to host an international conference on peace and coexistence, the creation of the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Italy, the introduction of the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, the royal call to host an international conference on peace and coexistence, a proposed international convention to combat hate speech, and Bahrain’s ongoing hosting of international conferences on interfaith and cultural dialogue in accordance with the “Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration” on freedom of religion and belief are just a few examples.
In pursuit of common interests and the creation of a world based on peace, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, Bahrain, led by His Majesty the King and guided by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with both countries and expanding cultural and civilizational exchange. This is reflected in the historic visit to Italy and the Vatican, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized.
