Foreign Ministry Invites Bahraini Journalists

The Israeli foreign ministry has invited Bahraini journalists to visit Israel, reciprocating the Gulf state’s hosting of Israeli reporters at the U.S.-led economic workshop this week, and friendly comments from the Bahraini foreign minister, The Times of Israel said on Thursday.

“We welcome Bahrain FM Shaikh Khalid Al Khalifa’s decision to openly share his views with the Israeli media. The positive comments that were expressed in the interview are very encouraging and offer hope for closer ties bilaterally and a peaceful future for our region,” the ministry said in a statement.

Al Khalifa acknowledged that the state of Israel is here to stay in the Mideast, and supported more communication between Arabs and Israelis.

Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon told The Times: “I’ll be overjoyed to host a delegation of Bahraini journalists and show them Israel. Direct contact is the key to peace.”