- 6 MOUs signed to deepen cooperation across various sectors
A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, has concluded a highly successful participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Russian Federation.
During SPIEF’s main plenary, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa delivered a speech and participated in a panel discussion alongside His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of Russia; His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia; His Excellency Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and His Excellency Paul Mashatile Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, where he focused on the Kingdom’s approach to economic development.
Bahrain’s participation in the 28th edition of SPIEF as a guest country marked a significant milestone, featuring the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including customs, standardisation, metrology, energy, media, tourism, and trade. Notable agreements include:
- MOU between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.
- MOU between Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade on Technologies and Equipment for the Fuel and Energy Sector.
- MOU between Bahrain’s Ministry of Information and TV-Novosti on Media and IT.
- MOU between Bahrain News Agency and RIA Novosti.
- MOU on Tourism, Business Events, and Incentive Travel between Bahrain Tourism and the Aeroclub Group of Russia.
- MOU and Cooperation Agreement between the Russian Export Center and Export Bahrain.
During SPIEF 2025, Bahrain showcased its dynamic economic landscape and forward-looking policies, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across priority sectors. The Kingdom engaged with numerous Russian counterparts through bilateral meetings, exploring avenues for cooperation, investment growth and trade expansion. These engagements underscore Bahrain’s strategic intent to serve as a key gateway for Russian investment into the GCC and broader Middle East markets.
Bahrain’s representatives also participated in high-level panel discussions to emphasize the Kingdom’s vision for innovation and sustainable development. His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment, participated in panel discussion titled “The Global Energy Market: Seeking a Balance between Producer and Consumer Interests”, highlighting Bahrain efforts in maintaining readily available sustainable energy mix. His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, spoke at a panel titled “The Role of SMEs in Achieving New National Goals” where he emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative SME sector and strengthening economic ties with Russia. His Excellency also participated in the “Russia-Bahrain Business Dialogue” alongside Sara Buhejji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Additionally, Sara Buhejji contributed to a panel on “Professionals for Tourism and Hospitality: Investing in Human Capital, Education, and International Cooperation”, highlighting Bahrain’s focus on developing human capital to elevate its tourism and hospitality sectors. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, also participated in a panel titled “The Architecture of Memory: Are Cultural Codes a Passing Trend or a Call to Return to our Roots?”, exploring the importance of cultural identity and heritage in contemporary society.
Team Bahrain’s successful participation at SPIEF 2025 sets a strong foundation for future collaborations and economic growth. The Kingdom remains committed to deepening its ties with Russia and promoting new opportunities for businesses and investors.
