Derasat Center hosts discussions to enhance Bahraini-European relations
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) hosted a discussion panel titled ‘EU-Bahrain: A Multi-Dimensional Partnership’ to discuss further enhancing relations between Bahrain and the European Union.
The event coincided with the first anniversary of the signing of the Cooperation Arrangement between Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service in 2021 that provides an institutional framework for political dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, research and innovation, clean energy and renewables.
Panellists included EU Ambassador to KSA, Bahrain and Oman Patrick Simonnet, and Chief of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ahmed Al Qarainees.
Other panellists were Managing Director of Eni in Bahrain and Lebanon, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Geoscience in Eni UAE Dr Andrea Cozzi, and Executive Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bahrain (FCCIB) Rim Jalali.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain views the European Union as a distinguished regional organization and a model for integration and complementarity; one that the Kingdom ensures it develops its relations with bilaterally or holistically," Derasat Executive Director Dr Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdullah said,
He pointed to estimates that indicated a commercial exchange worth 2.5 billion Euros between Bahrain and the EU until the end of 2021, in addition to the numerous European companies operating in Bahrain, and European expertise found in the Kingdom’s public and private sectors.
Al Abdullah referred to the increased frequency of exchanged visits between both sides in the past few years, ensuring how keen they are on developing their relations based on the largely entwined interests, as confirmed by regional challenges, especially the COVID pandemic.
Energy security and climate change are additional challenges, and all of them require an extended mutual dialogue to coordinate the efforts in countering these challenges, he said.
Simonnet said that cooperation with Bahrain is multi-dimensional given its importance as an EU partner.
Signing the 2021 Cooperation Agreement was a significant step in developing multi-sector relations, including economic and commercial diversification, research and innovation, human rights, clean energy, and renewable energy sources – a field in which the EU is at the global forefront, the ambassador said.
He pointed to the EU’s work on enhancing individual relations through the exchange of students and researchers.
Al-Qarainees stressed the need for strengthened bilateral relations with the EU in all areas and described them relations as rapidly growing in economic, educational, environmental, and parliamentary aspects, thanks to the focus by the Kingdom’s wise leadership on cooperating with the EU in constructive aspects.
He said that such meetings are crucial in setting the frameworks for cooperation, based on previous achievements to increase Bahrain-EU partnerships.
Dr Cozzi, Managing said that Eni, the Italian oil company, entered Bahrain in 2019, and is seeking opportunities for hydrocarbon excavation, renewables, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
He added that Eni also pursues supply initiatives, carbon circular economy, managing water and soil, waste recycling, and advancing the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Bahrain’s Vision 2030, as well as contributing to Bahrain’s future energy needs in a more efficient and sustainable way.
Jalali said she was "delighted to discuss the dynamic French business presence in the Kingdom, in banking, retail, hospitality, and industry."
"They all reflect how keen numerous French corporations indeed are in making Bahrain their regional base, a trend that can grow in the post-COVID environment," she said.
Participants stressed the importance of enhancing joint work to counter climate change, protect the environment and invest in renewable energy.
They praised similar commitments by member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, welcoming their active participation in the UN’s climate conference and exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.
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