Kuala lumpur: Bahrain and Malaysia are deepening their strategic partnership as both countries expand cooperation across a wide range of fields for the mutual benefit of their peoples, Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, said.

According to Nam News Network, Al Manea emphasized that the growing partnership is supported by the close relationship between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia. The continued efforts of Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, are pivotal in advancing bilateral cooperation.

Al Manea highlighted that both nations are committed to enhancing cooperation and coordination across various fields. Malaysia's hosting of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is seen as a significant step in the strategic partnership between the two countries, as reported by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

These remarks were made during Al Manea's lecture titled "The Evolving Security Landscape in the Middle East: Bahrain's Vision for Regional Stability, Diplomacy, and Collective Security" at the National Resilience College. The college is part of the Malaysian National Defence Studies Centre, and the lecture was a part of the college's Executive Week Programme.

The event was attended by Major General Dr. Abdul Karim Ahmad, Commandant of the National Resilience College; Major General Datuk Abdul Rahim Yusuf, Head of Academics; members of the Senior Directing Staff; participants of the Executive Week Programme; senior officers and officials from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Representatives from several ministries, members of Parliament, and academics and experts in defense, security, and strategic affairs were also present.

During his lecture, Al Manea outlined Bahrain's approach to strengthening regional security, diplomacy, and collective action in addressing the evolving challenges facing West Asia and the Gulf region. He explained that Bahrain adopts a comprehensive approach that combines the defense of sovereignty, the protection of civilians, the documentation of facts, and the advancement of diplomacy and collective coordination.

Al Manea also reviewed Iran's actions against member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focusing on the targeting of civilians, vital infrastructure, and maritime navigation routes. He noted that these tensions have had regional and global repercussions, particularly affecting Malaysia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

During Bahrain's presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in April, Al Manea said the kingdom advanced international efforts to safeguard maritime routes, ensure freedom of navigation, and protect critical infrastructure. He also commended Malaysia's co-sponsorship of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed the sovereignty of the affected states, underscored the protection of civilians, and called for an end to the attacks.