In recent years, Uzbekistan’s relations with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf have reached a new level. Mutually beneficial cooperation is actively developing in all areas, exchanges of visits at various levels are taking place, and the number of joint projects being implemented is increasing.
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf is a regional organization established on May 25, 1981. It includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. These states are leading regional suppliers of hydrocarbons and influential global financial centers.
Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Bahrain, a member of this organization, were established on May 29, 1992.
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) and several publications regularly issue news related to Uzbekistan. The recent visit to Bahrain by a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, was also covered in detail.
Special attention was given in the articles to the intention to expand cooperation, from political dialogue to joint business projects. It was noted that, following the talks, an agreement on a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic passports was signed.
In the capital city, Manama, Mr. Saidov met with the Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and National Economy, Industry and Commerce.
The parties discussed issues of strengthening partnerships, ranging from expanding political dialogue to exchanging trade, investment, and institutional experiences. Matters of regional and global cooperation were also considered, with particular emphasis placed on strengthening ties between Central Asia and the Gulf states.
Mr. Saidov also held negotiations with executives of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding, Lamar Holding, and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). The discussions focused on aspects of developing green energy, high-tech production, and the establishment of joint ventures.
Muharrama Pirmatova, UzA