Cyprus and Bahrain seek closer defence, shipping and investment cooperation

Manama, Bahrain. Cyprus and Bahrain are seeking to expand cooperation in defence, shipping and investment as Nicosia aims to strengthen its role between the European Union and the Gulf, Cypriot Ambassador to Bahrain Andreas Eliades said on Monday.

Eliades said President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to Bahrain and the opening of the Cypriot embassy in Manama had given bilateral relations a significant boost.

Regional security

In an interview with Bahraini newspaper Al Watan, Eliades said regional security developments had demonstrated the importance of closer coordination between Europe and Gulf states.

He referred to Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, saying Cyprus had worked during its EU Council presidency to support consultations between member states and regional partners.

Bilateral agreements

Nine agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during Christodoulides’ visit, covering defence, higher education, culture, tourism, diplomatic training and search and rescue.

Eliades said Cyprus, which has embassies in all six GCC capitals, could serve as a bridge between Europe and the Gulf.

Maritime and economic ties

The ambassador identified maritime security as an area for closer cooperation, saying freedom of navigation was a strategic priority for both countries.

Economic cooperation is expected to focus on financial services, fintech, technology, logistics and tourism.

Eliades said Cyprus could provide Bahraini companies access to the European single market, while Bahrain could offer Cypriot businesses a base for expansion into Gulf markets.

He said the future of bilateral relations was very promising, with the new embassy in Manama marking a new chapter in ties between the two countries.