Istanbul (ANTARA) \u2013 Bahrain and France signed a memorandum of\nunderstanding on Tuesday (20 October) to co-operate on the peaceful use\nof nuclear energy, with the aim of developing the skills and expertise\nrequired for a civilian nuclear programme.<\/p>\n
According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the agreement was signed\nat the end of French President Emmanuel Macron\u2019s visit to Manama, where\nhe held talks with Bahrain\u2019s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.<\/p>\n
The two leaders witnessed the signing of the memorandum by Bahrain\u2019s\nMinistry of Foreign Affairs and France\u2019s Ministry for Europe and Foreign\nAffairs.<\/p>\n
The news agency said the agreement aims to develop and maintain the\nexpertise and capabilities needed for Bahrain\u2019s civilian nuclear\nprogramme through specialised training initiatives.<\/p>\n
During their talks, King Hamad and Macron discussed strengthening\nstrategic co-operation in investment, economic development, defence,\nsustainable development and advanced technology.<\/p>\n
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments,\nparticularly the situation in the Middle East and efforts to address\nongoing challenges.<\/p>\n
King Hamad welcomed progress in bilateral relations, highlighting a\ndefence co-operation agreement signed during his visit to France in\nFebruary as a step towards broader co-operation in security, energy and\ntechnology.<\/p>\n
He stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty, upholding\ninternational law and resolving crises through dialogue.<\/p>\n
According to BNA, Macron called for expanded co-operation on defence\ncapabilities and the military industry, while also emphasising stronger\nties in the energy sector.<\/p>\n
The French president then left Manama for Doha, arriving on Tuesday\nevening, according to Qatar\u2019s official news agency, QNA.<\/p>\n
Macron\u2019s Gulf tour, which took place from 19 to 21 October, also\nincluded visits to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n
The French presidency said the visits were intended to strengthen\nstrategic and economic partnerships and promote regional stability,\nenergy security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of\nHormuz.<\/p>\n
The visit took place amid regional tensions following the war\nlaunched by the United States and Israel against Iran on 28\nFebruary.<\/p>\n
Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and\nclosed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington later imposed a naval\nblockade on Iranian ports.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bahrain-and-france-co-operate-on-civil-nuclear-development-1792565676", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }