The King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (right), during a meeting with the Lebanese Minister of the Interior Ahmad Hajjar, on Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo provided by NNA)
BEIRUT — Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar met Wednesday morning in Bahrain with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who reaffirmed "the Kingdom’s consistent stance in support of Lebanon," as well as his backing for everything that preserves Lebanon’s security, stability, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
After wishing the Lebanese people "more development and prosperity," Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised "the close fraternal relations" between the two countries, which have seen "steady progress in all areas serving their common interests."
He also highlighted "the importance of such visits, which reflect the mutual will to strengthen bilateral cooperation, coordination and joint work, particularly in the security field."
He reiterated "the Kingdom of Bahrain’s steadfast position in favor of Lebanon, and its support for everything that preserves the country's security, stability, unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the interests of its brotherly people."
Hajjar thanked the monarch for "the warm welcome and generous hospitality," saluting "Bahrain’s honorable positions toward Lebanon and its people, as well as its commitment to the unity of the country and the preservation of its security and stability."
He also emphasized "Lebanon’s aspiration to strengthen its privileged relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain in various fields, in the interest of both countries and their brotherly peoples."
The previous day, Hajjar had met with his Bahraini counterpart, Rashid bin Abdallah Al Khalifa, to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.
Last July, the king of Bahrain announced the upcoming establishment of a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, had recalled their diplomats from Beirut in October 2021 following comments by then-Information Minister Georges Cordahi about the war in Yemen.
Since then, the Gulf monarchies had nearly severed ties with Lebanon, suspending imports from the country and banning their citizens from traveling there. The election of Aoun and the appointment of Nawaf Salam as prime minister at the beginning of 2025 marked Beirut's intent to restore ties with the Arab monarchies of the region.
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