Kuwait, Bahrain highlight decades-old partnership

KUWAIT: Kuwait and Bahrain reaffirmed their longstanding friendship on Tuesday, reflecting decades of political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Built on mutual support and shared history, their partnership continues to guide joint efforts on regional stability, trade, education, security and cultural exchange.

HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa at Bayan Palace on the occasion of his official visit to Kuwait. The meeting was attended by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, along with the accompanying official delegation.

During the audience, Prince Salman conveyed the greetings and appreciation of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, along with his best wishes for continued health and well-being for HH the Amir and further progress and prosperity for the people of Kuwait. In return, HH the Amir asked the Bahraini Crown Prince to convey his greetings and best wishes to King Hamad, expressing hopes for Bahrain’s continued advancement and prosperity under its wise leadership.

The meeting featured cordial discussions reflecting the depth of the longstanding historical relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples, as well as ways to further strengthen cooperation across various fields. Regional and international developments of mutual interest were also reviewed.

HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah also received Prince Salman at Bayan Palace. The talks highlighted the strong fraternal ties between Kuwait and Bahrain and ways to enhance cooperation in support of joint Gulf action. The meeting was held in a warm atmosphere underscoring the deep-rooted historical relations and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Separately, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also received the Bahraini Crown Prince, conveying his greetings to King Hamad and wishing Bahrain continued progress and prosperity. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah.

HH the Crown Prince later hosted a luncheon in honor of Prince Salman and the accompanying delegation, before they departed Kuwait. Prince Salman was seen off at the airport by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, along with a number of senior state officials.

The relationship between Kuwait and Bahrain is rooted in decades of shared history and mutual support. During Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Bahrain strongly condemned the occupation, aided in liberation efforts, and hosted thousands of Kuwaiti citizens. In the early 1990s, Kuwait helped train Bahraini diplomats and supported the establishment of Bahrain’s foreign missions. The two countries strengthened ties again in 2011, when Kuwait backed Bahrain’s leadership during internal security challenges and helped maintain economic stability.

In 2019, Kuwait and Bahrain signed eight agreements covering areas such as e-commerce, customs, environmental protection, culture, agriculture, marine resources, and trade development. Security cooperation was further enhanced in 2023 through a memorandum of understanding. High-level visits in 2024 and 2025 reinforced these partnerships, culminating in Crown Prince Salman’s current visit, which emphasizes their ongoing commitment to shared regional stability and prosperity.

Beyond politics and economics, Kuwait and Bahrain share strong social and cultural bonds. The countries have close family connections between their ruling houses and similar traditions, making their partnership uniquely deep and resilient. — KUNA