Interests with the monarchy: Bahrain makes efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Bahrain is making efforts to settle the conflict in Ukraine, the country's ambassador to Russia, Ahmed Al Saati, has told Izvestiya. According to the diplomat, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa devoted his May visit to Russia to this end. Bahrain hopes that the parties will sit down at the negotiating table and "come to a satisfactory formula" in the course of the dialog. The Ambassador noted that Bahrain is open for trade cooperation with the Russian Federation, and there are good prospects for this, including in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and in tourism. On Russian-Bahraini relations and Manama's foreign policy - in the material of "Izvestiya"

Bahrain is interested in ending the war in Ukraine

The Kingdom of Bahrain is making efforts for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. This was told to "Izvestia" by the Ambassador of the monarchy in Russia Ahmed Al-Saati.

- We are interested in ending this war, because its consequences concern not only the region, but the entire global world. God willing, the efforts will be crowned with a good result, the parties will sit down at the negotiating table, during the dialog they will come to a satisfactory formula, while respecting the international legal framework," he said.

In May this year, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain paid an official visit to Moscow. Vladimir Putin noted then that Russia and Bahrain have similar positions on many international issues.

- I am not exaggerating if I say that resolving the conflict in Ukraine is the first and highest goal for the Gulf region. Even His Majesty the King's visit to Russia, contacts and all efforts are aimed at establishing peace in the world, particularly between Russia and Ukraine, as these are friendly countries where brotherly peoples live," Ahmed Al Saati said.

Manama adheres to balanced approaches to key international issues. With regard to the situation in Ukraine, Bahrain proceeds from the need to resolve the conflict by political and diplomatic means. At the same time, the kingdom has not joined the anti-Russian sanctions, and Bahraini officials have consistently confirmed their interest in working on the development of the whole range of relations with Russia.

Earlier, on November 20, Reuters quoted sources as saying that Russia might agree to freeze the conflict along the front line, as well as give up the territory in Kharkiv region, which is controlled by Russian troops. The report noted that Vladimir Putin was open to discussing a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine with US President-elect Donald Trump. Later, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that freezing the conflict in Ukraine is not suitable for Russia.

Russia-Bahrain relations

Moscow and Manama are seeking to strengthen political, economic and cultural cooperation. Active interaction between the countries began in recent years against the backdrop of common geopolitical interests. Russia and Bahrain intend to achieve a significant increase in trade turnover, and for this purpose the networks of contacts between business representatives are being expanded.

- Our interaction in the trade sphere is open. The private sector in Russia, especially in the food, pharmaceutical and tourism industries, is not subject to any sanctions. We see good prospects and promising opportunities," Ahmed Al-Saati said.

The diplomat added that Bahrain, having deep financial and trade relations with the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, is considered a gateway for businesses to enter the region.

Relations are also developing in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. On November 19, the Bahrain Cultural Week began in Moscow. The parties agreed to consolidate cooperation within the framework of the cultural and educational year of Russia in the kingdom in 2025. Within the framework of the project "Russian Seasons" the largest museums of the Russian Federation will present their exhibits in the monarchy.

- Despite pressure from the West, Bahrain, like other Arab countries, has not joined the anti-Russian sanctions. This decision is explained by the fact that the kingdom, being a classic small power, seeks not to rely on only one partner, but diversifies its ties. In this context, Russia is considered to be the partner with whom it is important to interact," Dmitry Polyakov, a member of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained to Izvestia.

In recent years, contacts between the two countries have noticeably intensified, and Manama remembers and appreciates Russia's actions in the region and its assistance to friendly countries, such as Syria, the expert said.

- This is especially in contrast to the US policy, which often fails to fulfill its obligations and sometimes betrays its allies, especially in the Middle East," Dmitry Polyakov added.

Bahrain's foreign policy

In its foreign policy, the kingdom remains primarily focused on Saudi Arabia. The KSA continues to dominate the monarchy's socio-political and economic life. At the same time, Riyadh is seen by the local leadership as a "reliable rear."

Bahrain pays great attention to the development of multifaceted cooperation with the United States. The military presence of the United States and supplies of American military equipment are perceived as a tool for ensuring national security and strengthening the country's defense capabilities.

In strategic terms, the authorities in Manama realize the irreversibility of the establishment of a multipolar world order and the shift of the "center of gravity" from the West to the East. To adapt to the new situation, the kingdom is taking appropriate measures: expanding the geography of economic ties, establishing communication channels with all major world players. This is also manifested in Bahrain's desire to participate in the activities of new platforms such as BRICS and SCO. In July 2023, a memorandum was signed to grant Bahrain the status of SCO dialog partner.

The monarchy is determined to continue and increase its engagement with Russia on key items on the regional and global agenda. The Kingdom supports Russian initiatives at the UN, such as resolutions on international information security, combating the glorification of Nazism, and preventing an arms race in space.

- "Arab countries are working hard to achieve their national interests by building bridges of communication and establishing the strongest relations with Russia, which represents the power of sovereign choice," Saudi political scientist Mubarak Al-Aati tells Izvestia.

The Palestinian issue remains a priority for Bahrain's foreign policy. Despite the treaty on normalizing relations with Israel, Manama emphasizes the non-alternativity of a two-state solution, taking into account the international legal framework. Russia and Bahrain share similar positions on this issue.