Ankara: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced the establishment of a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut during a meeting with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun in Manama. This announcement coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The decision was reported by the state news agency BNA.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bahrain's move aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. The diplomatic relationship between Bahrain and Lebanon has faced challenges in recent years, primarily due to tensions linked to Hezbollah, which Bahrain considers a terrorist organization. Manama has accused Hezbollah of supporting opposition movements and interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs, leading to a diplomatic rift that saw Bahrain withdraw its ambassador from Beirut in 2021.

During the meeting, President Aoun expressed gratitude to King Hamad for the decision to establish the diplomatic mission. He emphasized the potential for resuming trade exchanges and cooperation across sectors to benefit both nations. Aoun's visit included a trip to Bahrain's Economic Development Board, where he highlighted the need for investment based on mutual trust and described Bahrain as a reliable partner for practical cooperation.

The Lebanese presidency characterized Aoun's two-day visit as an opportunity to reinforce cooperation between Bahrain and Lebanon, potentially marking the beginning of a new phase in their diplomatic relations.