BAHRAIN AND FRANCE SIGN NUCLEAR COOPERATION MEMORANDUM

Bahrain and France signed a memorandum on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Manama. The agreement covers specialised training to develop and maintain expertise for Bahrain’s civilian nuclear programme. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held official talks with Macron during the visit. The leaders discussed investment, economic and political affairs, defence, sustainable development and advanced technology.

King Hamad welcomed Macron and his delegation to Bahrain at the start of the talks. He highlighted a defence cooperation agreement signed during his visit to France in February. The King said that agreement could expand cooperation in security, energy and technology, alongside trade, scientific and cultural exchanges. He also identified potential joint projects in energy, industry and transport, including a railway that would connect Bahrain with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries through new bridges.

The leaders exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and efforts to address regional challenges. King Hamad condemned recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed Bahrain’s solidarity with the country. He congratulated Macron on a recent international space summit in Paris, which he said had created opportunities for cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. King Hamad said Bahrain, as the council’s current chair, wanted to expand partnerships in those sectors.