Bahrain seeks resumption of diplomatic ties with Iran

The 74-year-old monarch made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where he is on a state visit.

King Hamad stated that Bahrain, as a country that wants peace, forgiveness and human coexistence, needs dialogue and peaceful diplomacy.

“We believe in the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs," he said. “We are working to restore diplomatic relations with Iran as a neighbor.”

Hamad said his country welcomes China’s support for efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in West Asia, as well as attempts alongside other relevant parties to promptly deal with the repercussions of the situation in Palestine.

Bahrain followed Saudi Arabia to sever diplomatic relations with Iran on January 4, 2016, after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government, stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran.

Last week, the first deputy speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives said his country intends to take measures soon to revive diplomatic relations with Iran.

“Resumption of political and commercial relations between the two countries is of great importance, because Iran is a neighboring country and Bahrain supports stable ties with all regional states,” Abdulnabi Salman said.

He said the desire to resume relations between Manama and Tehran has been met with a positive response from the Bahraini government and the Council of Representatives, and the legislature has even put out a positive statement in this regard.