By Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea

As the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Malaysia, I am delighted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Malaysia.

On this significant occasion, we can reflect upon the strong and enduring ties that have flourished between our two nations, bound by a shared vision of progress, mutual respect and dedication to working together for our common benefit.

Bilateral relations between Bahrain and Malaysia were officially established on 25 November 1974.

Shared values

Over the past five decades, our countries have developed a partnership founded on shared values, including a commitment to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and adherence to the principles of the United Nations.

Our relations are grounded in trust, human values and common interests, strengthened by the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

These foundations have enabled our nations to expand cooperation across a broad spectrum of fields, enriching both our societies and advancing our collective interests on the global stage.

Our leaders have played a pivotal role in deepening these relations. Notable visits, such as His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s attendance at the inauguration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as King of Malaysia in July 2024, reflect the significance of our diplomatic bonds.

His Majesty’s visit to Kuala Lumpur in April 2017, and the visits of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan of Johor, to Manama in 2017 and 2020, powerfully symbolise our brotherly and friendly ties. The presentation of the Shaikh Isa Medal of the Excellent Class to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, along with many other mutual high-level engagements exemplify the depth of our relations.

Bilateral cooperation

A key milestone in our partnership was the establishment of the Joint High Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in 2013.

Co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both nations, this committee has become a crucial mechanism for structured collaboration, addressing priorities across finance, trade, education, culture and beyond. It has overseen the signing of numerous agreements that have fuelled economic and cultural exchanges and further strengthened our connection.

Trade and investment are central pillars of our relationship. Both nations, with open, dynamic and internationally oriented economies, have enjoyed robust trade exchanges and investment opportunities.

Recent agreements, such as the Memorandum of Understanding between Bahrain's Economic Development Board (EDB) and Malaysia’s Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), have paved the way for collaborative ventures in industrial development, small and medium-sized enterprises and energy cooperation.

Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding between EDB and the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), to promote cooperation and explore opportunities in the oil and gas sectors, illustrates the potential for deeper economic integration.

Cultural and educational ties

Beyond economic collaboration, cultural and educational ties have flourished.

Exchanges between universities and educational institutions have enriched the lives of our youth, nurturing a new generation that values cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.

Bahrain's support of Malaysia's Global Quran Recital Competition and Malaysia’s participation in Bahrain’s Arab Housing Conference highlight the shared values and cultural affinities that strengthen our bond.

In multilateral arenas, Bahrain and Malaysia have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing international cooperation through their active membership in the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Bahrain’s historic role as the first Gulf country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2019 and both nations’ support for the outcomes of the 2023 GCC-ASEAN Riyadh Summit further underscores our dedication to fostering peace, security and collaboration.

Our shared goal of deepening the Arab-Asian partnership is reflected in Bahrain's current chairmanship of the Council of the League of Arab States and Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Future of collaborative growth

As we celebrate five decades of friendship, Bahrain and Malaysia remain committed to a future of collaborative growth. Our shared values, aligned visions for peace and prosperity and unwavering dedication to cooperation will guide us as we build on this legacy.

The Kingdom of Bahrain looks forward to further deepening its partnership with Malaysia, working together to promote innovation, sustainable development and mutual advancement for the benefit of our peoples.

In marking this important anniversary, we not only honour our past achievements but also look with optimism toward an ever-brighter future.

The 50th anniversary of Bahrain-Malaysia diplomatic relations is an opportunity to reaffirm our determination to elevate our partnership to new and comprehensive horizons, enhancing security, peace and sustainable development on both regional and international levels.

So may the friendship between Bahrain and Malaysia continue to grow, bringing prosperity and stability to our nations and serving as a beacon of cooperation for the global community.

-- BERNAMA

His Excellency Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Malaysia.