Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain has become the 4th Arab country to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel.
This came as His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump with the participation of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During the call, HM King Hamad stressed the need to reach a just and comprehensive peace as a strategic option, in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
HM the King praised the pivotal role and steady efforts of the U.S. Administration to advance the peace process, establish security and stability in the Middle East and strengthen international peace.
President Trump extended an invitation to Bahrain to participate in the signing ceremony of the peace agreement that will be held at the White House between the United Arab Emirates and Israel on September 15.
Following joint statement was issued after a phone call between the two leaders:
“President Donald J. Trump, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on September 11, 2020 spoke and agreed to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East. Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and the prosperity in the region.
The United States expresses its gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the historic Peace to Prosperity workshop in Manama on June 25, 2019, to advance the cause of peace, dignity, and economic opportunity for the Palestinian people. The parties will continue their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to enable the Palestinian people to realize their full potential. Israel affirmed that as set forth in the Vision for Peace, all Muslims who come in peace may visit and pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem’s other holy sites will remain open for peaceful worshippers of all faiths.
King Hamad and Prime Minister Netanyahu express their deep appreciation to President Trump for his dedication to peace in the region, his focus on shared challenges, and the pragmatic and unique approach he has taken to bringing their nations together.
The parties commend the Unite d Arab Emirates and Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed for his leadership on August 13, 2020, in announcing full diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has also accepted President Trump’s invitation to join Israel and the United Arab Emirates at the historic signing ceremony on September 15, 2020, at the White House where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani of Bahrain will be signing a historic Declaration of Peace.”
During the call, HM King Hamad offered his deepest condolences to President Trump on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
