Saudi Arabia Honors Historical Figures with Renamed Riyadh Squares
In a significant move to commemorate its rich heritage, Saudi Arabia has renamed 15 prominent squares in Riyadh after historical imams and modern kings. This initiative, announced during the Kingdom’s annual Founding Day celebrations on February 22, was proposed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The renaming aims to honor key figures who have been instrumental in the establishment, unification, and development of the Saudi state over the past three centuries.
Among the honored are Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founder of the first Saudi state, and other notable imams such as Abdulaziz bin Mohammed, Saud bin Abdulaziz, and Abdullah bin Saud. Modern-era kings, including King Abdulaziz, King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and the current monarch, King Salman, are also commemorated. These squares are strategically located along major roads in Riyadh, serving as a testament to the nation’s historical identity and cultural heritage.
Bahrain and Egypt Strengthen Bilateral Relations
On February 23, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain received a high-level Egyptian delegation as part of the second meeting of the Bahrain-Egypt Joint Governmental Committee on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation. The delegation included Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance; Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation; and Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.
The Egyptian officials conveyed greetings from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to King Hamad and the Bahraini people, expressing wishes for continued progress and prosperity. King Hamad reciprocated with warm regards for President El Sisi and highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties and strong fraternal bonds between Bahrain and Egypt. He emphasized the significant outcomes of the Joint Governmental Committee meeting, focusing on enhancing strategic partnerships, increasing cooperation across key sectors, and boosting trade exchanges beneficial to both nations.
King Hamad also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Egyptian community to Bahrain’s development and commended Egypt’s progress under President El Sisi’s leadership, noting major infrastructural projects and achievements across various sectors.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Enhance Diplomatic Relations
In a demonstration of the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, King Hamad honored the outgoing Saudi Ambassador, Prince Sultan bin Ahmed, with the Order of Bahrain-First Class on December 25, 2023. This accolade reflects the deep-rooted diplomatic relations and mutual respect between the two kingdoms. Prince Sultan bin Ahmed’s tenure was marked by significant collaboration and the reinforcement of bilateral ties, underscoring the shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
High-Level Meetings and Agreements
The year 2024 witnessed several high-level meetings and agreements between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors:
- April 2024: Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca. The discussions emphasized the deep, historic relations between the two nations and explored avenues for further integration.
- August 2024: On the sidelines of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the General Sports Authority of Bahrain and the Ministry of Sports of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the sports sector. The agreement focuses on community sports, women’s sports, and sports investment, reflecting a shared vision for athletic development.
- July 2024: A delegation from the Saudi Shura Council visited Bahrain to bolster parliamentary cooperation. The visit culminated in the signing of an MoU aimed at enhancing legislative collaboration and the exchange of expertise between the two councils.
- March 2024: Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, HE Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, HE Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, signed an MoU focused on the ‘Future of Transportation.’ This agreement aims to enhance collaboration on emerging trends in transport and logistics, promoting joint research and development.
Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council Meeting
On February 13, 2025, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, led a delegation at the third Saudi-Bahraini coordination meeting held at Dhahran Expo in Dammam. The meeting, chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, focused on investment, environment, and infrastructure.
Key discussions included:
- Investment Initiatives: Establishing an investment company in Bahrain and collaborating in the aluminum sector.
- Digital and Technological Cooperation: Coordinating digital entrepreneurship efforts and implementing AI and technology training programs.
- Infrastructure Projects: Reviewing progress on the railway and parallel bridge to the King Fahd Causeway, targeted for completion by December 2030.
- Transportation Enhancements: Plans to improve air and sea transport connectivity and civil aviation security.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing investment promotion, environmental cooperation, food security, and urban planning. The meeting underscored the dedication to developing economic ties and trade cooperation, aligning with the directives of both leaderships.
Conclusion
The recent royal honors, high-level meetings, and strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain signify a robust and evolving partnership. These collaborative efforts across various sectors not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to regional stability and prosperity. As both nations continue to honor their shared history and work towards common goals, the future of Saudi-Bahraini relations appears promising and poised for further growth.
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