Bahrain and Israel on way to establishing fully-fledged relationship: Ambassador Eitan Na’eh

P Unnikrishnan

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com 

Trade and peace are the two key pillars of bilateral relations between Israel and Bahrain, said Israel’s first-ever ambassador to the Kingdom yesterday.

During an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Eitan Na’eh said the two countries are on their way to establishing a fully-fledged relationship encompassing many sectors while ensuring people-to-people ties.

“Our leaders framed the diplomatic relations, and we are building it block by block,” the top diplomat said, highlighting the need on the part of both sides to work towards tremendous diplomatic success.

A large number of agreements have been signed to boost trade, Na’eh said.

“Ministerial visits between both sides to further enhance economic relations are on the way.

Still, a lot of work needs to be done when it comes to the volume of trade and other aspects including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement,” he said.

Regarding contributing to the Kingdom’s healthcare sector, Na’eh said the Israeli pharma and medical industry is keen on striking deals here.

“It’s just a matter of time.

Sheba Hospital, Israel’s top hospital and one of the world’s top ten hospitals, have already entered into agreements with local hospitals,” he noted.

Efforts are on to boost co-operation in the agricultural sector.

“Agricultural co-operation is in the beginning stage.

Based on our experience, we can share our expertise in hydroponic farming, vertical agriculture, and preventing diseases that could kill palm trees.

Agro-business communities of both countries are also highly interested in working together,” the Ambassador said.

Na’eh said Israel would support the Kingdom in its journey towards becoming a knowledge-based society.

“There is a lot of potential in academic exchanges.

We want Bahraini academicians as well as researchers to visit Israel.

We have the best of the best universities there – the University of Haifa for Technology, Tel Aviv University for Robotics, and The Hebrew University for Agricultural Studies,” he said.

Na’eh said he is hopeful that more Bahraini tourists will visit Israel and the other way round.

“More Israeli tourists will be visiting the Kingdom in the coming future.

Upon joining the mission, I visited Halat Bahrain and was amazed to see people speaking in Hebrew.

Bahrain is just two-and-a-half hours away from Israel.

And it could emerge as a transit point for Israelis travelling to other Asian countries such as India,” he said. 

‘Better than ever

When asked about finding a peaceful solution to the Palestinian crisis, the Israel Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Eitan Na’eh, said there is enormous hope, ‘in fact better than ever.

“Before joining the mission here, I was Israel’s envoy to the UAE.

In Abu Dhabi, I did interact with many from the Palestinian community, representing various businesses.

They were telling me that ‘we want peace and trade’.

They are optimistic, and we, too, are optimistic.

This road we are taking can persuade people towards peace,” Na’eh said.

The Ambassador said both Israel and Bahrain are on the same page on security threats.

“Security is an important issue.

We have to handle many regional and global threats jointly.

We are seriously talking about them and will continue to talk about them,” he stressed.

Na’eh said the US is Israel’s best ally, and the relationships between both nations are intense.

“Only ten minutes after the declaration of our independence, the US became the first country to recognise us officially.

We are cooperating with the US in many areas.

We also have the best ties with India, while Israeli companies have suitable investments in China.

“We believe in a world where trade barriers are lifted.

We are looking both towards the West and the East for boosting ties,” he said, adding that his country now gives great prominence in its foreign policy towards the Gulf States.