The Bahraini Foreign Ministry has announced that it is continuing coordination with its Iranian counterpart to seek reconciliation between Manama and Tehran and the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two Muslim countries.

The ministry said in a statement that Bahrain follows a balanced approach to its foreign policy based on defending its sovereignty and independence, safeguarding the kingdom’s national interests in the Persian Gulf and strengthening its regional and international standing.

The Kingdom also adheres to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and focuses on promoting relations and consolidating cooperation and dialogue through mutual respect and common understanding, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said.

It added that Manama attaches great importance to its diplomatic relations with all countries, in accordance with the high instructions of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continuous follow-up of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry noted that it will continue coordination with its Iranian counterpart to establish the necessary legal framework for the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, saying that the mutual visits of both sides have contributed to a Agreement to be reached on resuming talks to restore bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ministry also stressed the need to adhere to the basic principles of international relations and good neighborliness, which are essential to maintaining stability and economic prosperity in the West Asia region.

Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia’s example and severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 4, 2016, after Iranian protesters, angry over the Saudi government’s execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran had.

Tehran and Riyadh agreed in March 2023 in the Chinese capital Beijing to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions.

Back on October 21, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and King Hamad of Bahrain met in Manama and discussed relations and the latest developments in the region, particularly the escalation of Israeli atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon.

Iran’s top diplomat stressed the need for countries in the region to work seriously toward an end to Israeli barbarism, which included the genocidal campaign in Gaza and aggression against Lebanon. Araghchi also called for expanding relations between Tehran and Manama.

For his part, the Bahraini monarch called for an end to wars and aggression in the region. He said Bahrain wants all people in the region to live in dignity.

King Hamad expressed hope that he would pay a visit to Tehran.

Israel has killed at least 45,541 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 108,338 people in its ongoing war against Gaza.