Bahrain says continues coordination with Iran to restore ties
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said Manama is continuing coordination with its Iranian counterpart aimed at reconciliation between the two countries and restoration of diplomatic ties.
The ministry announced Bahrain pursues a balanced approach in its foreign policy on the basis of defending its sovereignty and independence, serving the Persian Gulf kingdom’s national interests, and enhancing its regional and international standing, Press TV reported.
The kingdom also adheres to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and focuses on promoting relations and consolidating cooperation and dialogue through mutual respect and common understanding, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry said it will continue coordination with its Iranian counterpart in order to establish the necessary legal frameworks to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries, stating that the mutual visits between the two sides have contributed to reaching an agreement on resuming talks aimed at restoring bilateral relations between the two countries.
Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia’s suit and severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 4, 2016, after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government, stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran.
Bahrain was among several Persian Gulf states that sided with Riyadh and cut ties with Iran.
However, after the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia following marathon negotiations mediated by Iraq, Oman and China in March last year, many Persian Gulf countries followed suit and extended an olive branch to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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.
King Hamad expressed hope that he would pay a visit to Tehran.
Both countries agreed in June to start negotiations on the resumption of political after a hiatus of more than eight years.