Top Bahraini diplomat in Israel for 1st official visit

Bahrain's foreign minister leads delegation in 1st formal visit to Israel since Gulf state opened diplomatic ties

By Mahmoud Barakat

ANKARA (AA) - Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani arrived in Israel's capital on Wednesday for his first official visit to the country since Manama established diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv in September, Israeli media reported.

According to the Jerusalem Post, al-Zayani arrived on the first commercial flight to the Israeli capital by Bahrain's flag carrier Gulf Air, as the two sides seek to expand cooperation following the US-brokered agreement to establish formal ties.

On Monday, the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said a high-level delegation headed by al-Zayani would fly on Wednesday to Tel Aviv.

They are to deliberate on economic opportunities, as well as bilateral agreements and endeavors aimed at achieving common interests.

On Sept. 15, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates agreed to establish full diplomatic, cultural and commercial relations with Israel after signing controversial agreements at the White House.

The deals have drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians, who say the accords ignore their rights and do not serve their cause.

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