Last updated in January 2009
Political relations
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Federal Republic of Germany is not only respected as an important economic partner and manufacturer of quality products, it is also increasingly seen as a global player. Now that it is reunified, Germany is expected to play a greater political role, at the regional level too, especially in resolving the Middle East conflict. Bilateral relations are good and wide-ranging, the high point so far being King Hamad’s official visit to Berlin in late October 2008. Prior to this, Bahrain’s Interior and Foreign Ministers had visited Berlin in May 2008.
Economic relations
Germany has a good reputation as a reliable trading partner. Germany’s positive image is largely due to the performance of German industry. The Bahraini side is interested in closer economic relations with Germany, and the German side, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, is seeking to make greater use of the opportunities available in Bahrain. At present, some 50 German companies have offices in Bahrain or are engaged in projects there. There are a total of approximately 750 German nationals living in Bahrain.
An investment promotion and protection agreement was signed in February 2007.
Cultural relations
The setting up of liaison offices by the German Academic Exchange Service and the Goethe Institute in Abu Dhabi has led to initial progress in cooperation on higher education, student exchange and German teaching in Bahrain. A further intensification of cooperation in the cultural, education and scientific and academic sectors is to be expected following the King’s visit to Berlin.
