State Secretary Štucin takes part in bilateral consultations in Bahrain
State Secretary Marko Štucin and Shaikh Al Khalifa | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
The two officials confirmed the positive bilateral relations, with no outstanding issues. Slovenia and Bahrain are already linked through sport: the cycling Team Bahrain Victorious is led by a Slovenian, Milan Eržen, and boasts multiple top-notch Slovenian cyclists. Slovenia and Bahrain also share similar views on key topics, such as the importance of peace, stability and cooperation in regional and global affairs.
The officials identified the opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation on logistics, tourism and the pharmaceutical industry. They also exchanged views on the significance of multilateral activity. Particular attention was paid to the Security Council, with Slovenia doing an excellent job as a non-permanent member and Bahrain standing for non-permanent membership for the 2026-2027 term.
It was important for Slovenia to hear Bahrain‘s view on the situation in the region. The two officials discussed the conflict in Gaza, Lebanon and the situation in Syria. Both countries agree that peace is the only way to achieve a lasting prosperity in the region. State Secretary Štucin also raised the possibility of cooperation in the area of water diplomacy. Slovenia and Switzerland launched the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts in May 2024, with the aim of welcoming as many countries as possible.
State Secretary Štucin and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, concluded the consultations by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain. The Memorandum expresses the political will to strengthen bilateral relations through regular consultations between the two countries and the exchange of views on international issues of mutual interest.