By: Bahrain News Agency
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain launched a high-profile diplomatic tour in May 2024, travelling first to Moscow for an official two-day visit on May 22–23 — his first trip to Russia in eight years — before heading to Beijing to deepen Bahrain–China relations.
King Hamad Meets Putin in Moscow
The visit to Moscow came at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders held talks at the Kremlin focused on the state of trade, economic, energy, and humanitarian ties between Bahrain and Russia, and on prospects for expanding cooperation.
Regional security featured prominently on the agenda. King Hamad expressed his belief that Russia has a role to play in peacekeeping in the Middle East, and the two sides agreed on the creation of an international peace conference to be hosted in Bahrain. A package of bilateral agreements was also signed, including a Culture Cooperation Programme for 2024–2027 between the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
The visit followed Bahrain's chairmanship of the 33rd Arab Summit, held in Manama on May 16, 2024. Analysts at Al Arabiya and other regional outlets noted that the summit's outcomes — including the "Manama Declaration" calling for UN peacekeeping forces in occupied Palestinian territories — gave King Hamad fresh diplomatic weight in his Moscow and Beijing talks.
Bahrain–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
King Hamad subsequently visited the People's Republic of China for a state visit and the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF). President Xi Jinping received King Hamad at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 31, 2024.
The visit marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During talks, Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's support for Bahrain's national sovereignty and its Economic Vision 2030, and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in energy, investment, transportation, new energy, and the digital economy.
The two heads of state announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Bahrain — a significant upgrade in bilateral ties. They also witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements covering investment, green and low-carbon development, and e-commerce. Both leaders underscored that China and Bahrain share the same stance on the Palestinian question and are committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution.
Bahrain's Commitment to Regional Peace and Global Engagement
These visits reflect Bahrain's broader diplomatic strategy under King Hamad: strengthening ties with major global powers while actively advancing Arab consensus on regional challenges. The kingdom's chairmanship of the Arab League, its hosting of the 33rd Arab Summit, and King Hamad's direct engagement with both Putin and Xi Jinping signal a determined push for Bahrain to serve as a bridge between East and West in resolving the Middle East's most pressing crises.
The symbol of high-level collaboration — from Moscow to Beijing — underscores Bahrain's commitment to sustainable peace, economic growth, and mutual respect among nations.
