Advancing a Nation

1990 - 2004

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom embraced reform, global engagement, and a bold vision for the future on the basis of a newly adopted National Action Charter.

This transformative period saw the Kingdom of Bahrain further establish its diplomatic presence worldwide. The Kingdom joined major global conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture, while becoming a member of the World Trade Organization and other key organizations, as well as being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

This phase also saw the appointment of Bahrain’s first woman ambassador, HE Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa, a milestone in the Kingdom’s diplomatic history. Landmark events like the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement and the inaugural Manama Dialogue solidified Bahrain’s role as a leader in diplomacy, trade, and regional security.

1990

30 July 1991
HE Anatolee Hafrio Shenko presents his credentials as the first Russian ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
20 August 1991
HE Mohammad Al Mahmeed is appointed as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic.
13 February 1992
The Kingdom of Bahrain accedes to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
19 February 1992
HE Salman Al Saffar presents his credentials as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first ambassador to the Russian Federation.
27 October 1992
Appointment of HE Isa Al Jam’e as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
13 December 1993
The Kingdom of Bahrain becomes a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
19-21 December 1994
The Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the 15th GCC summit.
1 January 1995
The Kingdom of Bahrain becomes a member of the World Trade Organization.
22 March 1995
The Kingdom of Bahrain accedes to the Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization.
11 September 1995
HE Ahmed Abbas is appointed as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.
15 March 1996
The Kingdom of Bahrain becomes a member of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
18 August 1997
HE Abdulnabi Museeb is appointed as the Kingdom of Bahrain's first ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
18 August 1997
HE Mustafa Kamal is appointed as the Kingdom of Bahrain’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco.
14 October 1997
The Kingdom of Bahrain is elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
6 March 1998
The Kingdom of Bahrain accedes to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
29 May 1998
The late Amir of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa meets with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
6 March 1999
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeds the late Amir of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
25 December 1999
HE Shaikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa is appointed as ambassador to the French Republic, becoming the Kingdom of Bahrain's first female ambassador.
11 November 2000
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan visits the Kingdom of Bahrain and inaugurates the UN House.
30-31 December 2000
The 21st GCC summit is held in Manama.
14-15 February 2001
Bahraini embassies take part in the National Action Charter referendum, endorsed by the Bahraini people with 98.4 percent of the vote.
18 April 2001
The Kingdom of Bahrain becomes a member of the World Customs Organization.
29 August 2001
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa is appointed as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
15 March 2002
The United States designates the Kingdom of Bahrain as a Major Non-NATO ally.
11 November 2002
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa is appointed as Deputy Prime Minister in addition to his duties as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
1 March 2003
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presides over the 15th summit of the League of Arab States held in Sharm El Sheikh.
12 April 2004
The Kingdom of Bahrain ratifies the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
14 September 2004
Signing of the Kingdom of Bahrain-United States Free Trade Agreement.
December 2004
The Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the first Regional Security Summit (Manama Dialogue) organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
21 December 2004
The Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the 25th GCC summit.

2004

A World of Possibilities

A World of Possibilities

Next phase >

Fostering Partnerships

< Previous phase