Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Manama on Saturday to attend the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue. His arrival in the capital marked the commencement of a series of scheduled diplomatic engagements aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation. Following his arrival, he met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in the city on Sunday, 18 October. The two officials held talks to discuss diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Russia. These meetings served as the primary engagement for the delegation during the visit to the capital.
The discussions between Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov focused on the strengthening of bilateral relations. The ministers reviewed the current state of cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open channels of communication. These talks in Manama on Sunday, October 18, provided a platform for the exchange of perspectives on matters relevant to both Bahrain and Russia.
Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting
Sochi hosted the previous edition of the strategic dialogue in September 2025. This city in Russia provided the venue for the prior assembly of officials before the current proceedings in Manama. The transition from the meeting held in Sochi to the ninth joint ministerial meeting in Manama shows the continuity of the dialogue process.
Official interaction between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia relies upon a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2011. This document established the framework for the ongoing engagement between the regional body and the Russian government. The strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia is based on this memorandum of understanding signed in November 2011, which continues to guide the structure of the ministerial meetings. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi remains involved in the coordination of these council activities alongside representatives from participating nations. The ongoing effort to facilitate these meetings ensures that the Gulf Cooperation Council maintains a structured approach to its diplomatic relations with the Russian government.
Bahrain currently holds a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. Bahrain is serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, a position that influences the nation's engagement in global diplomatic affairs. Participation in this capacity allows the kingdom to engage in the decision-making processes of the council during the two-year period. Alexey Skosyrev and other diplomatic figures have noted the importance of international cooperation within this body as part of the broader diplomatic discussions held during the recent meetings in the capital. The presence of Bahrain on the UN Security Council serves as a point of focus for the diplomatic delegations currently gathered in Manama to discuss the strategic dialogue and its future trajectory.