By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk
On October 14, 2026, Cyprus and Bahrain held security talks in Nicosia, following an information-sharing accord signed in 2025 and a separate military cooperation agreement in January. The meeting comes as the Republic of Cyprus expands its security links with Gulf Arab states.
Cypriot National Security Adviser Tasos Tzionis met Bahrain's Deputy National Security Adviser Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa. The Cypriot National Security Council said they discussed closer institutional cooperation, the implementation of security proposals and regional developments.
Neither government announced a new agreement or identified the proposals under discussion.
A security accord signed in Manama
The two countries established a formal channel between their national security institutions on November 2, 2025. The memorandum was signed at the Manama Dialogue by Bahrain's Supreme Defence Council General Secretariat and the Cypriot National Security Council.
Bahrain said the agreement covers the exchange of security information and expertise, training, regular consultations and continued coordination.
Tzionis signed for Cyprus. Bahrain identified him as both national security adviser and director of the Cyprus Intelligence Service.
Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, who met Tzionis on October 14, also attended the November signing. Bahrain's ambassador to Cyprus, Khalid Yousif Al Jalahma, who is based in Tel Aviv, attended the latest meeting.
The governments have not disclosed whether information exchanges or joint training have begun.
Military cooperation followed in January
The relationship expanded during Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides' visit to Bahrain on January 25, 2026.
The Cypriot presidency confirmed memorandums covering military cooperation, diplomatic training, search-and-rescue training, culture and tourism, alongside an agreement between the two countries' chambers of commerce.
The military arrangements are separate from the November security accord. Their operational terms have not been made public.
Contacts continued during the regional crisis in March. On March 31, Bahrain's National Security Adviser Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa spoke with Tzionis about attacks on Bahrain that Manama attributed to Iran. They also discussed bilateral security cooperation.
Cyprus builds Gulf security links
The Bahrain agreements are part of Nicosia's push to strengthen relations with Gulf governments. Ahead of Christodoulides' January visit, the Cypriot presidency described closer engagement with the region as a strategic priority.
Cyprus has also developed defense relationships with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and other regional partners.
Bosphorus News previously examined the expansion of Arab defense and maritime cooperation with Greece and Cyprus, including ties involving the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain adds another direct channel between national security institutions.
No new agreement was announced after the October 14 talks. Neither government has disclosed which security proposals will be implemented or confirmed whether information-sharing activities have begun under the 2025 memorandum.
Sources: Bahrain National Security Adviser, November 2, 2025 memorandum statement; Bahrain National Security Adviser, March 31, 2026 statement; Republic of Cyprus Presidency, January 25, 2026 agreements statement; Cyprus News Agency, October 15, 2026; Bahraini reporting of official statements; Bosphorus News review and reporting.