Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad attended the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain to discuss regional security challenges and strengthen defence ties.
MANAMA, BAHRAIN, 2 November 2025 – Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad attended the 21st Manama Dialogue in Bahrain from 31 October to 2 November 2025. Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the annual forum convened senior defence, security, and foreign affairs officials to deliberate on security challenges in the Middle East and beyond. Singapore has participated in the Manama Dialogue since it was first held in 2004, recognising its value as a key platform for strategic engagement.
During his visit, Mr Zaqy attended a ministerial lunch hosted by Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani. He also met Bahrain’s Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and Minister of Defence Affairs, Lieutenant-General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi. Both sides reaffirmed the warm defence relationship between Singapore and Bahrain and expressed their commitment to continued collaboration.
Image by Singapore Ministry of Defence
In his remarks at the sixth plenary session titled “Maritime Security as a Regional and Global Responsibility”, Mr Zaqy highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation to safeguard shared sea lanes and maritime interests. He emphasised the interconnected nature of global waterways, noting that “our futures are literally tied by water”, and called for collective stewardship to ensure safe and open seas for future generations.
On the sidelines of the Dialogue, Mr Zaqy engaged with international counterparts, including Commander of the United States Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr Khalid bin Hussein Al Biyari, and Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi. They exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed mutual interest in deepening defence ties and cooperation in areas of shared concern.
Image by Singapore Ministry of Defence
Mr Zaqy also hosted a SG60 Reception in Manama for Singaporeans residing in Bahrain and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia to mark Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. The gathering celebrated Singapore’s milestone year and recognised the contributions of overseas Singaporeans in fostering ties abroad.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
