1. Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Yeo Seung-bae and Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held the 4th Policy Consultations between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Bahrain in Seoul on April 1, and exchanged views on the ROK-Bahrain bilateral relations and ways to enhance substantive cooperation between the two countries.

2. Both sides appreciated that the two countries have steadily enhanced economic cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976 and agreed to expand bilateral cooperation to new frontiers such as health and environment.

◦ Both sides agreed on the need to expand high-level visits between the two countries once the COVID-19 situation improves.

◦ Deputy Minister Yeo explained that Korean companies have contributed to the establishment of Bahrain’s national infrastructure and requested Bahrain’s continued interest and support to ensure that Korean companies continue to take part in construction and infrastructure projects in Bahrain.

◦ Undersecretary Abdulla expressed Bahrain’s hope to strengthen cooperation in the area of health, especially to further bilateral cooperation in promoting the exchange of medical personnel and establishing the national health care system.

◦ Deputy Minister Yeo appreciated Bahrain’s declaration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and the country’s efforts to tackle climate change. Deputy Minister Yeo also welcomed Bahrain’s accession to the GGGI (Global Green Growth Institute) and hoped that the two countries would further cooperate in accomplishing an inclusive global green transition.

3. Furthermore, the two sides also shared their views on regional issues. Deputy Minister Yeo appreciated Bahrain’s unwavering support for the denuclearization and establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. Deputy Minister Yeo asked the Bahraini side for its continued support for the Korean government’s efforts in this regard after explaining the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula.

4. The 4th ROK-Bahrain Policy Consultations served as an opportunity for the Foreign Ministries of the two countries to discuss issues regarding the bilateral relations and ways to expand substantial cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Bahrain.