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Advancing a Nation

(1990 - 2005)

Substantial international challenges resulted in a series of diplomatic successes that were achieved through willingness and commitment.

With support from their global alliances, the Kingdom of Bahrain was ready and able to meet complex global challenges with ease and confidence. The country’s efforts to defend their territorial and maritime sovereignty through diplomatic means at the International Court of Justice, demonstrate dedication to the nation, unwavering conviction and collective consciousness.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role on the UN Security Council (1998-1999) as a non-permanent member, and the election of HE Shaikha Haya bin Rashed Al Khalifa in 2006 as the first Arab woman to preside over the UN General Assembly, exemplify the advancement of the country, further cementing their global image as a progressive, tolerant nation.

8 July 1991

Qatar files an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), beginning proceedings against the Kingdom of Bahrain over the issue of territorial disputes between the two countries.

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.

30 November 1994

International Court of Justice sets the deadline for the submission of all points regarding the territorial dispute with Qatar.

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 UN 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.

17 February 1999

The ICJ orders the disregard of forged Qatari documents in the case over the territorial disputes.

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

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s first female ambassador HE Shaikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa is appointed as ambassador to the French Republic.

11 November 2000

Former UN 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.

16 March 2001

The ICJ reasserts the Kingdom of Bahrain’s sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit’at Jaradah, and determines the basis for maritime delimitation between the two states.

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.