Bahrain has announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kiribati in line with the desire of the two countries to consolidate their friendly relations and cooperation.

These diplomatic ties are to be based on equality and mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other as per the stipulations of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

Earlier the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, has signed a joint statement with the President of the Republic of Kiribati, Taneti Mamau, to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Shaikh Khalid affirmed that this move comes within the framework of Bahrain's openness to the world and its keen desire to strengthen cooperation ties with all countries of the world for common interests, expressing hope that bilateral relations with the Republic of Kiribati will soon witness a boost in all fields for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

In his turn, the President of the Republic of Kiribati expressed his pride in the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing that his country was after the development of bilateral relations and coordination on various issues of common concern.