Bahrain has approved Israel's request to open an embassy in Manama and has sought authorization to open an embassy in Israel, the kingdom's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani said on Wednesday after his meeting with his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi. The process should be completed by the end of the year, the Israeli foreign minister said at a joint press appearance in Jerusalem. Al-Zayani, who was heading a Bahraini delegation making a historic visit to Israel, said during the round of talks at the Israeli foreign ministry that official measures would be taken to open the Israeli diplomatic mission soon to serve the development of relations between the two countries. During the talks, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries and mechanisms for activating the memoranda of understanding they signed last month following the declaration to support peace and the Abraham Accords. Al-Zayani affirmed Bahrain's keenness to cooperate with Israel in various fields based on the inherent values of pluralism and peaceful coexistence deeply rooted in the Bahraini community and on the kingdom's firm belief in the need for cooperation to promote peace in the Middle East. Bahrain also believes in the significance of working to build common interests in a way that serves regional security and stability, in line with the advanced vision of His Majesty the King and his people. Al-Zayani also extended an invitation to the Israeli foreign minister to visit Bahrain and to participate in the Manama Dialogue, the high-profile international conference hosted by the Bahraini capital, next month. The visiting Bahraini foreign minister met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Al-Zayani noted that the regional peace initiative is a priority for the esteemed government which devoted all capabilities to ensure the success of the initiative in correlation with the kingdom's pivotal role in achieving peace. For his part, the Israeli Prime Minister welcomed the Bahrani minister and the accompanying delegation, stressing that the outcome of the visit and its success will open new prospects for bilateral cooperation, regarding mainly the exchange of visits and implementation of joint projects. He also underlined the importance of the visit in achieving the aspirations of both countries and serving their interests as well as promoting regional peace and stability. Al-Zayani also met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin who welcomed the Bahraini delegation. The Israeli president described the visit of the Bahraini delegation as a historical beginning for joint cooperation between both countries. Rivlin said the visit will usher in a new phase in the Middle East to promote peace and security. Rivlin praised the courageous stances of Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his adoption of a unique vision to achieve peace and coexistence in the region. He also underscored Israel's keenness on enhancing cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain and carrying out joint projects. He stressed that the success of the visit serves as an impetus to repeat it to achieve common aspirations and boost regional stability. The Israeli president pointed out the specificity of the Bahraini society, describing it as cohesive and characterized by religious tolerance and coexistence between all communities, including the Jewish one. He stressed that this unique texture constitutes an important and influential factor for the success of any rapprochement and building relations with other countries. He wished the Bahraini-Israeli relations further success in various fields. For his part, the Bahraini foreign minister conveyed the greetings and appreciation of King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the Israeli president. He stressed that Bahrain's approach is based on the commitment to peace as a strategic alternative to launch initiatives to promote international cooperation, stability, and peace as well as prosperity in the Middle East.
