Israel seeks free trade agreement with Bahrain

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

ANKARA (AA) – Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Monday reviewed the signing of a free trade agreement with Bahrain during an official visit to the Gulf country.

Cohen arrived in Manama on Sunday for a two-day visit, accompanied by a business delegation from more than 30 companies working in the fields of high-tech, logistics and real estate.

He met on Monday with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to discuss the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries.

"We discussed regional challenges, the two countries' commitment to the fight against terrorism and the importance of promoting a free trade agreement," Cohen said on X, formally known as Twitter, after his meeting with the Bahraini crown prince.

"We look forward to expanding the circle of peace and normalization to other states in the area," he added.

The top Israeli diplomat and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif Al-Zayani also attended an opening ceremony for the new residence of the Israeli Embassy in the Bahraini capital.

Bahrain was among four Arab countries that signed US-sponsored agreements to normalize their relations with Israel in 2020. The other countries were the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco and Sudan.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar