Bahrain has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Beirut and appoint a resident ambassador, signaling a significant step toward restoring diplomatic relations with Lebanon after nearly four years of strained ties. The decision follows a meeting between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Bahrain’s new Ambassador to Lebanon, Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, who is currently based in Syria. During the meeting, Sayyar emphasized Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s recovery and institutional rebuilding efforts, underscoring the kingdom’s readiness to re-engage diplomatically. Prime Minister Salam expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and welcomed Lebanon’s return to its rightful position among its Arab peers.
The Bahraini embassy in Beirut had been closed since October 2021 due to a severe diplomatic dispute between Lebanon and several Gulf states. The rift was triggered by remarks from Lebanon’s former Information Minister, George Kordahi, who criticized the Saudi-led coalition‘s involvement in the Yemen conflict. His comments sparked widespread backlash across the Gulf. In response, Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, recalled their ambassadors and expelled Lebanese diplomats. To ease tensions, Kordahi resigned from his post in December 2021.
The reopening of Bahrain’s embassy in Beirut is part of a broader trend of Gulf countries restoring diplomatic ties with Lebanon. In May 2023, Bahrain announced the return of its ambassador to Lebanon, marking a significant improvement in regional relations. The decision was made amid a general improvement in relations in the region, with Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that the move aimed to strengthen the fraternal relations between the two countries.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Beirut in January 2025, ending a diplomatic crisis that began in October 2021. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry stated that the reopening represented an important step in advancing bilateral cooperation and demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to supporting the stability and development of Lebanon.
These developments indicate a positive shift in Gulf-Lebanon relations, with both sides taking steps to mend ties and collaborate on various fronts. The reopening of Bahrain’s embassy is expected to further enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two nations, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
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