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Aoun visits Bahrain as Lebanon seeks renewal of Gulf ties
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Manama on Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. His trip marks a significant diplomatic move as Lebanon intensifies its efforts to restore and strengthen ties with Gulf countries, particularly after years of strained relations.
Upon landing in the Bahraini capital, Aoun emphasized the “deep historical and brotherly relations” between Lebanon and Bahrain. He described the visit as “a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields,” and expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Bahrain’s past support.
Accompanying Aoun, Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Raggi used the opportunity to call on Bahrain to reopen its embassy in Beirut. In an interview with Bahrain’s Al-Ayyam newspaper, Raggi stated, “Lebanon awaits the reopening of the Bahraini embassy and the appointment of an ambassador to resume full diplomatic relations.”
The Gulf crisis dates back to 2021, when tensions flared following remarks by Lebanon’s then-Information Minister criticizing Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in Yemen. In response, several Gulf states, including Bahrain, recalled their ambassadors from Beirut, suspended imports, and imposed travel bans on their citizens.
Raggi stressed that despite political tensions, the Lebanese and Bahraini peoples remained connected. “The ties between our nations were never broken at the core. They endured through mutual respect and shared history,” he said. “Lebanon has never abandoned its Arab identity, nor forgotten the support it received from Bahrain during its hardest times.”
The visit underscores Lebanon’s diplomatic shift under Aoun’s presidency and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s leadership. Since taking office, Aoun has prioritized reconnecting with the Arab world, visiting Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Kuwait in recent months.
“Lebanon rejects any interference in Bahrain’s sovereignty,” Raggi affirmed, adding that the country aims to develop strategic partnerships across the region. “This visit is another step toward Lebanon’s return to its Arab roots, built on mutual respect and non-interference.”