President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, where the two leaders reaffirmed their strong historic ties and mutual positions on regional issues. Talks addressed Egypt’s mediation efforts in Gaza, rejection of Palestinian displacement, and commitment to a two-state solution, alongside the need to safeguard sovereignty and stability across the wider region.
The visit was marked by the signing of eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that reflect a shift toward deeper economic and institutional collaboration. The most strategic deal was signed between Egyptalum and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) to explore an alumina refinery project in Egypt. This would allow Cairo to strengthen its upstream role in the global aluminum value chain while giving Bahrain a secure raw material source for one of the world’s largest aluminum smelters.
Another MoU between GAFI and Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) established a framework for joint promotion of investments and coordination in attracting Gulf and Asian capital. By harmonizing incentives and regulations, both sides aim to open opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and real estate. Meanwhile, customs authorities from both countries signed an agreement under the Authorized Economic Operator Program, which promises faster clearance processes, reduced costs for exporters, and more predictable supply chains.
In parallel, the two states’ competition authorities signed an MoU to enhance oversight and curb monopolistic practices, a step designed to reassure investors of transparency and fair market conduct. Cooperation extended into housing and urban development, where shared expertise in public-private partnerships and real estate projects is expected to support social infrastructure needs.
The cultural dimension was not overlooked: the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt and Bahrain’s Authority for Culture and Antiquities agreed to collaborate on heritage preservation, museum development, and cultural diplomacy initiatives. Similarly, the exhibitions and events sector gained momentum through an agreement linking Egypt Expo and Convention Authority with Exhibition World Bahrain, paving the way for joint international conferences, fairs, and business events. Finally, Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development signed an MoU to exchange knowledge on climate adaptation, energy transition, and green growth strategies—anchoring long-term cooperation in sustainable development.
Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized opportunities for Bahraini businesses in Egypt’s healthcare, education, digital transformation, and financial services sectors, while bilateral trade reached $460 million in 2024. The summit highlighted a determination to move beyond ceremonial ties, with the MoUs providing a roadmap for diversified cooperation that blends industry, culture, and sustainability. The challenge now is converting these frameworks into real projects that deliver jobs, technology transfer, and tangible growth for both nations.
