Miknas: Bahrain's support places Lebanon back in Arab fold
Businessman Akram Miknas has praised Bahrain for taking the lead in re-engaging with Lebanon, describing the recent state visit by Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun as a turning point in Gulf-Lebanon relations.
Miknas, who chairs the Bahrain-based company Promosven, said the high-level meetings, particularly the one between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Lebanese President, marked the most significant interaction between the two nations in decades.
Economic Gateway
'Bahrain's support places Lebanon back in the Arab fold,' he said, adding that the Kingdom was the first to offer meaningful support to Lebanon after a period of instability and absence from the regional stage.
According to Miknas, this move could position Bahrain as a gateway for Lebanon's re-entry into the GCC economy, with its advanced infrastructure and strong commercial networks. He urged a swift follow-up on the agreements signed during the visit.
Connectivity Call
Reinstating direct flights between Bahrain and Lebanon, he said, would be a vital step in boosting trade and tourism. He a l s o called for streamlining visa and residency procedures to help entrepreneurs and investors move more freely.
Miknas highlighted that the Lebanese business community is ready to activate joint ventures and contribute to economic cooperation between the two countries.
Skills & Sectors
Pointing to areas of future collaboration, Miknas said private sector partnerships in fields like technology, Islamic finance, and infrastructure could be mutually beneficial. He noted that Lebanon's skilled workforce, particularly in AI and digital innovation, offers an opportunity for synergy with Bahrain's forward-looking economic plans.
He also drew attention to the cultural bonds between the two countries, saying Lebanese entrepreneurs had long been welcomed in Bahrain due to shared values of openness and tolerance.
Miknas concluded by underscoring the importance of economic diplomacy, adding that private sector involvement would be key to translating diplomatic goodwill into real progress.
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