Iraq and Bahrain discuss security of waterways and freedom of navigation in Manama

Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim Hassan al-Aboudi met with Bahrain's National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on Saturday, 31 October 2026 in Manama to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in security and strategic fields and ensuring the security of vital waterways and freedom of navigation within them.

Meeting on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2026

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 22nd session of the Manama Dialogue for Regional Security forum, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the Bahraini capital, and was attended by the head of Bahrain's Strategic Security Agency, Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa.

Emphasis on deep ties and navigation security

The two sides affirmed the depth of the strong fraternal relations between Iraq and Bahrain and discussed ways to enhance joint coordination, particularly in the security and strategic fields, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

Both parties stressed the importance of consolidating the foundations of security and stability at regional and international levels, and of ensuring the security of vital waterways and freedom of navigation within them, at a time when the repercussions of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region top the forum's discussions, whose sessions continue until Sunday, 1 November.

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