Israel opens new embassy in Bahrain

Manama, Sep 5 : Israel opened its new embassy in Bahrain, days ahead of the three-year anniversary of a US-brokered deal in which the kingdom agreed to normalise relations with Israel, the media reported.

The embassy was officially inaugurated in the presence of visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the Bahrain News Agency quoted Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani as saying on Monday.

The Bahraini top diplomat said that "the historic step is another important milestone in relations between the two countries".

During a joint press conference, the Bahraini official also reiterated the kingdoms "firm position in support of achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," according to the report.

The trip marks Cohens first visit to one of the countries that established diplomatic relations with Israel under the so-called Abraham Accords in 2020, which also include the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

Cohen assumed office in late December when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government was inaugurated, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the visit, Cohen and his Bahraini counterpart discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technological exchange, training, and tourism, according to the report.

In his meeting with Bahrains Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Bahraini capital of Manama on Monday, Cohen expressed Israels desire to sign normalisation deals with more Arab countries, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

int/khz