Bahrain » International Relations

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Bahrain's Relations with Neighbours

Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council alongside its neighbours Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Bahrain is a partner in the regional airline Gulf Air with the Sultanate of Oman (Qatar withdrew from the partnership in May 2002; Abu Dhabi began its withdrawal in September 2005).

On 16 March 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgement on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The judgement awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah, which forms part of the Qatar peninsula, Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar, and redrew the international maritime border. This peaceful settlement has provided the impetus for renewed co-operation between the two countries.

Bahrain hosted the second Forum for the Future meeting in November 2005 to further advance the partnership between the G8 and the broader Middle East and North Africa, and hosted the IISS Gulf Dialogue in December 2005. This was organised by the London based Institute for Strategic Studies, which offers participating governments to consult and further develop sound policies for the future of regional security.

The UK's longstanding bilateral relationship with Bahrain is in excellent health. The UK Home Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Interior on 20 October 2005 aimed at promoting co-operation on a number of issues, including Counter Terrorism and Civil Policing.

Trade And Investment with The UK

Trade exports between the UK and Bahrain are increasing. In 2004 UK exports reached £157.8 million, up from £154.8 million in 2003. Imports from Bahrain totalled £71.5 million in 2004, which is a decrease from 2003. Bahrain ranked 71st for exports from the UK in the UK Trade in goods rankings 2004, and imports from Bahrain were ranked 89th.