Kuala lumpur: Bahrain and Malaysia are deepening their strategic partnership as both countries expand cooperation across a wide range of fields for the mutual benefit of their peoples, Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea said. Al Manea noted the growing partnership was underpinned by the close relationship between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as well as continued efforts by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to deepen bilateral cooperation.
According to Nam News Network, both countries share a commitment to expanding cooperation and coordination across various fields. Malaysia's hosting of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is an advanced expression of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, as highlighted by Al Manea during a lecture at the National Resilience College, part of the Malaysian National Defence Studies Centre.
The lecture, titled "The Evolving Security Landscape in the Middle East: Bahrain's Vision for Regional Stability, Diplomacy, and Collective Security," was part of the college's Executive Week Programme. The event was attended by Major General Dr. Abdul Karim Ahmad, Commandant of the National Resilience College; Major General Datuk Abdul Rahim Yusuf, Head of Academics; and other senior officials and experts in defence, security, and strategic affairs.
During his address, Al Manea outlined Bahrain's approach to strengthening regional security, diplomacy, and collective action in addressing evolving challenges in West Asia and the Gulf region. He emphasized the kingdom's comprehensive approach combining defence of sovereignty, protection of civilians, documentation of facts, and advancement of diplomacy and collective coordination.
Al Manea reviewed Iran's attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council member states, including targeting civilians, vital infrastructure, and maritime navigation routes. He stated that these tensions have had regional and global repercussions, especially for Malaysia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
During Bahrain's presidency of the United Nations Security Council in April, the kingdom advanced international efforts to safeguard maritime routes, ensure freedom of navigation, and protect critical infrastructure. Al Manea commended Malaysia's co-sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed the sovereignty of affected states, underscored the protection of civilians, and called for an end to the attacks.