Bahrain

Political relations

Bahrain is increasingly looking to France with a view to diversifying its partnerships. In 2012, our respective Heads of State laid the ground for a High-Level Coordination Commission, aimed at deepening our bilateral relationship, which has met in November 2013 and November 2015. The last session was held on 20 March 2018, making progress on cooperation projects.

France is attentive to the human rights situation in Bahrain, including that of political opponents, and raises the subject during bilateral meetings with the country’s authorities.

Economic relations

Trade between France and Bahrain is traditionally subject to extreme fluctuations linked to the supply of aircraft to Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national airline. In 2018, bilateral trade between France and Bahrain stood at €443.3 million, down 7.2% compared to the previous year.

Almost 40 French companies are present in the country, primarily in the sectors of financial services (BNP Paribas), industry (Fives, VINCI Énergies), engineering (Setec, Egis, Paris Aéroports), infrastructure (Veolia, Engie, EDF), hospitality (Accor) and insurance (Axa).

Our imports mainly consist of refined oil and aluminium.