Bahrain and UK Finalize Defense Pact and £2bn Investment Deal
Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa's visit to London leads to significant bilateral agreements.
Bahrain and the United Kingdom have formalized two major agreements, marking a deepening of their strategic partnership.
During his official trip to London, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa engaged in talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resulting in the signing of a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2), aiming to strengthen bilateral investment between the two nations.
This agreement entails a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) infusion by Bahrain's private sector into key UK sectors such as financial services, technology, manufacturing, and decarbonization.
The pact was signed by Bahrain’s finance minister, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, and Rachel Reeves, the British chancellor of the exchequer.Additionally, a Defense Cooperation Accord was agreed upon to enhance interoperability and joint training between their armed forces, building on an existing naval partnership.
The signing of this accord occurred between defense ministers Lt. Gen. Abdullah Al-Nuaimi and John Healey.During his discussions with Starmer, Prince Salman reaffirmed the strong diplomatic relations between Bahrain and the UK, which he emphasized continues to flourish under the leaderships of King Hamad and King Charles III.
The leaders reviewed progress on a proposed free trade agreement involving the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and welcomed the UK’s decision to participate in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement following an invitation from Bahrain and the United States.The recent conflict between Israel and Iran was a significant point of discussion, with both Prince Salman and Starmer expressing concern over its escalation.
They agreed on the need for de-escalation, easing tensions, and resuming dialogue.
The urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access to the territory, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas were also emphasized.Furthermore, Starmer congratulated Bahrain on being elected a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term starting January 2026.
Both leaders agreed to work closely together to bolster their diplomatic efforts in anticipation of this new role.
During his official trip to London, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa engaged in talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, resulting in the signing of a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2), aiming to strengthen bilateral investment between the two nations.
This agreement entails a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) infusion by Bahrain's private sector into key UK sectors such as financial services, technology, manufacturing, and decarbonization.
The pact was signed by Bahrain’s finance minister, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, and Rachel Reeves, the British chancellor of the exchequer.Additionally, a Defense Cooperation Accord was agreed upon to enhance interoperability and joint training between their armed forces, building on an existing naval partnership.
The signing of this accord occurred between defense ministers Lt. Gen. Abdullah Al-Nuaimi and John Healey.During his discussions with Starmer, Prince Salman reaffirmed the strong diplomatic relations between Bahrain and the UK, which he emphasized continues to flourish under the leaderships of King Hamad and King Charles III.
The leaders reviewed progress on a proposed free trade agreement involving the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and welcomed the UK’s decision to participate in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement following an invitation from Bahrain and the United States.The recent conflict between Israel and Iran was a significant point of discussion, with both Prince Salman and Starmer expressing concern over its escalation.
They agreed on the need for de-escalation, easing tensions, and resuming dialogue.
The urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access to the territory, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas were also emphasized.Furthermore, Starmer congratulated Bahrain on being elected a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term starting January 2026.
Both leaders agreed to work closely together to bolster their diplomatic efforts in anticipation of this new role.
