Bahrain denies talks with Israeli investors


Manama: Bahrain has denied the presence of Israeli investors in Manama as a prelude to business deals and a diplomatic agreement between the two countries.

"I can assure you that there are currently no business deals between Bahrain and Israel and that there is no Israeli business delegation in Manama," Commerce Ministry undersecretary Abdullah Mansoor said in a press statement.

The official was commenting on a report published by the Palestinian weekly Al Manar, which claimed that senior Israeli investors were in Manama to discuss "large investment projects".

The report, in this week's edition of the Jerusalem-based newspaper, added that one Israeli investor said during a meeting with Bahraini officials and businessmen that he was pleasantly surprised by Bahrain's investment predisposition and that Israel would set up facilities to attract Gulf nationals.

Al Manar also stated that "three Bahraini officials with close links with Gulf investors will be visiting Israel to ink business deals".