HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister meets with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today met with the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, at No. 10 Downing Street.

The meeting took place as part of His Royal Highness’s official visit to the United Kingdom (UK).

His Royal Highness affirmed the strength of Bahrain–UK relations, which are underpinned by the shared commitment of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth.

His Royal Highness highlighted that Bahrain–UK ties continue to go from strength to strength through close collaboration, strategic partnerships, bilateral agreements across key sectors.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad also emphasised the importance of enhancing coordination between Bahrain and the UK to support shared interests and promote the prosperity of both Kingdoms.

In addition, His Royal Highness welcomed the UK’s full participation in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), following the invitation the UK received from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America to join the agreement, and discussed further areas of collaboration on security and prosperity.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on avenues to broaden bilateral cooperation, matters of mutual interest, as well as the latest regional and international developments. In this regard, both leaders discussed efforts towards a GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement.

His Royal Highness and the UK Prime Minister further expressed concern over the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue. His Royal Highness and the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, access for humanitarian aid, and the release of the hostages.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s remarks on Bahrain’s election to the UN Security Council for a non-permanent seat in 2026-27, and agreed on working together to strengthen diplomatic efforts ahead of the Kingdom’s candidacy.

The meeting addressed the United Kingdom’s prominent role, alongside allies, in advancing regional and global peace, security, and development.

His Royal Highness and the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer witnessed the signing of agreements, including:

1.⁠ ⁠⁠ A second Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom to support two-way investment, aimed at creating jobs and growth across the whole of the UK and in Bahrain in sectors of mutual priority, including financial services, technology, manufacturing and in support of decarbonisation. The partnership will facilitate the investment of £2bn from Bahrain’s private sector into the UK. The partnership was signed by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

2.⁠ ⁠A new Defence Cooperation Accord between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, signed by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, and the Rt Hon John Healey, the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence. The agreement reinforces the shared commitment to regional peace and stability, and enhances interoperability and joint training between the UK and Bahrain. It will also build on the strong naval partnership between the two countries.

His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, HE Yusuf bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Labour Minister, HE Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and several senior officials also attended the meeting.