BAHRAIN AND MALAYSIA CELEBRATE HALF A CENTURY OF STRONG PARTNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Bahrain mark a milestone in their partnership as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations today (Nov 25), highlighting the enduring ties rooted in a shared vision of progress, mutual respect, and collaboration for mutual benefit.

Bahrain Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea said over the past five decades, Bahrain and Malaysia have developed a partnership founded on shared values, including a commitment to national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations (UN).

He said the relations are grounded in trust, human values, and common interests, strengthened by the wise leadership of King of Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

"These foundations have enabled our nations to expand cooperation across a broad spectrum of fields, enriching both our societies and advancing our collective interests on the global stage," he said in a statement Monday.

Bilateral relations between Bahrain and Malaysia were officially established on November 25, 1974.

Al Manea said the leaders of Bahrain and Malaysia have played a pivotal role in deepening these relations.

Notable visits – such as King Hamad's attendance at the inauguration of Sultan Ibrahim  as King of Malaysia in July 2024, his visit to Kuala Lumpur in April 2017, and Sultan Ibrahim's visits to Manama in 2017 and 2020 – symbolise the two nations’ brotherly and friendly ties, he said.

A key milestone in the partnership was the establishment of the Joint High Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in 2013, which is co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both nations, and this committee has become a crucial mechanism for structured collaboration, addressing priorities across finance, trade, education, culture, and beyond, he said.

"It has overseen the signing of numerous agreements that have fueled economic and cultural exchanges and further strengthened our connection," he said.

Al Manea said trade and investment are central pillars of Bahrain-Malaysia relations as both nations, with open, dynamic, and internationally oriented economies, have enjoyed robust trade exchanges and investment opportunities.

Recent agreements such as the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bahrain's Economic Development Board (EDB) and Malaysia’s Iskandar Regional Development Authority, have paved the way for collaborative ventures in industrial development, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), and energy cooperation, he said.

“The MoU between EDB and the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) to promote cooperation and explore opportunities in the oil and gas sectors, illustrates the potential for deeper economic integration,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted that cultural and educational ties between Bahrain and Malaysia have flourished, with exchanges between universities and educational institutions enriching the lives of young people in both countries.

In the multilateral arena, Al Manea said that Bahrain and Malaysia have demonstrated a strong commitment to international cooperation, in which both countries are active members of the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 

“Bahrain's historic role as the first Gulf country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2019, along with joint support for the outcomes of the 2023 GCC-ASEAN Riyadh Summit, highlights its dedication to fostering peace, security, and collaboration. 

“Our shared goal of deepening the Arab-Asian partnership is reflected in Bahrain's current chairmanship of the Council of the League of Arab States and Malaysia’s upcoming presidency of ASEAN in 2025,” he said. 

He emphasised that shared values, aligned visions for peace and prosperity, and unwavering dedication to cooperation will continue to guide Bahrain and Malaysia as they build on this legacy. 

Expressing his optimism for the future, the ambassador anticipates a deeper partnership to promote innovation, sustainable development, and mutual advancement.

He said that the 50th anniversary of Bahrain-Malaysia diplomatic relations is “an opportunity to reaffirm our determination to elevate our partnership to new and comprehensive horizons, enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on both regional and international levels. 

“So may the friendship between Bahrain and Malaysia continue to grow, bringing prosperity and stability to our nations and serving as a beacon of cooperation for the global community,” he added.

-- BERNAMA