Bahrain and France Agree to Advance Civilian Nuclear Energy Program

Bahrain and France signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with a focus on developing the expertise and technical capabilities required for Bahrain’s civilian nuclear program.

The agreement was finalized at the end of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Manama, where he met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Both leaders witnessed the signing of the memorandum by representatives of Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry and France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

According to BNA, the agreement aims to build and maintain the specialized knowledge and professional skills needed to support Bahrain’s civilian nuclear ambitions through dedicated training programs.

During their meeting, King Hamad and Macron also discussed expanding strategic cooperation in investment, economic development, defense, sustainable development and advanced technologies.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international affairs, with particular attention to the situation in the Middle East and efforts to address ongoing regional challenges.

King Hamad welcomed the continued improvement in relations between the two countries. He highlighted a defense cooperation agreement signed during his visit to France in February, describing it as an important step toward wider collaboration in security, energy and technology.

The Bahraini monarch also emphasized the need to respect national sovereignty, uphold international law and resolve conflicts through dialogue.

Macron stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in defense capabilities and military industries, while also calling for stronger energy partnerships, BNA reported.

Following his visit to Bahrain, Macron travelled to Doha, arriving on Tuesday evening, according to Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

His Gulf tour, held from October 19 to 21, also included visits to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The French presidency said the trip aimed to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships with Gulf nations while supporting regional stability, energy security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic tour took place amid heightened regional tensions following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.