The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, received at the Presidential Mansion the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is visiting Greece.
Mr. Tassoulas referred to the traditional bonds of friendship and mutual respect that link Greece and Bahrain, which in recent years have grown ever deeper and more dynamic, while emphasizing that today’s meeting with the King signifies a shared will to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, as well as to exchange views on the significant challenges facing our region and the international community.
The President of the Hellenic Republic expressed Greece’s full solidarity with Bahrain and its people against the attacks by Iran, which he categorically condemned, while also emphasizing Greece’s steadfast position in the United Nations Security Council regarding the need for full implementation of the relevant Security Council Resolutions, the protection of civilians and the safeguarding of critical political and energy infrastructure.
He referred to the importance of maritime safety and the unimpeded flow of international trade, the strategic importance of the security of maritime routes and, in particular, the Strait of Hormuz, not only for the region but for the global economy, energy markets and international supply chains.
In particular, Mr. Tassoulas referred to the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation and the imperative need for international law to be fully respected. In this framework, he emphasized Greece’s leading role in Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, for regional and maritime security.
With regard to the close cooperation between the two countries at the UN, the President of the Hellenic Republic argued that the alignment of priorities during the current terms of Greece and Bahrain on the Security Council creates significant opportunities for the promotion of common goals.
In addition, he expressed his sincere appreciation for Bahrain’s consistent, objective and constructive stance on issues of particular interest to Greece within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Furthermore, he emphasized Greece’s longstanding support for deepening the strategic relationship between the European Union and Bahrain and with the Gulf Cooperation Council, assuring that during the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, this support will continue and will be further strengthened.
Finally, special reference was made to the active Greek community in Bahrain, which serves as a vibrant and steady link between the two peoples.
For his part, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and praised the timelessness and significance of Greek civilization and its values, as well as its contribution to global civilization.
He emphasized that the ties between the two countries predate those recorded in documents and history books, since the Greeks knew the country as “Tylos”, 23 centuries ago and the traces of the encounter between the two civilizations remain visible to this day.
They also constitute the foundation for building a new relationship in the modern era for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
He spoke about the importance of dialogue between civilizations and religions for world peace, while he also referred, to the critical geopolitical juncture we are currently experiencing, which is characterized by serious and growing challenges. He expressed his appreciation for Greece’s principled positions, which are grounded in full respect for international law. In closing, he expressed his hope for the further development of cooperation between the two countries.
