Bahrain Justice Minister Visits France to Boost Legal Cooperation

Bahrain’s Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Nawaf Al Maawda, led an official delegation to France to strengthen cooperation in legal and judicial matters. The visit was aimed at exchanging knowledge and building stronger ties between the two countries in the field of law and justice.

During the visit, Minister Al Maawda met with Elisabeth Barsacq, Head of European and International Affairs at the French National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL). CNIL is France’s authority responsible for protecting personal data and ensuring privacy rights. The meeting focused on legal systems, digital privacy, and how courts can improve in handling personal data securely and fairly.

The Bahraini delegation explored ways to learn from France’s experience in legal development, especially in areas like judicial training, court efficiency, and legal technology. Both countries agreed that sharing ideas and best practices can help modernize justice systems and build public trust.

Officials discussed the importance of updating legal systems to meet global standards, especially in response to digital changes. They also looked at ways to use new technology in courts, including digital filing systems and secure data management tools.

France shared its progress in using artificial intelligence and automation in legal processes. Bahrain showed interest in adopting similar solutions to improve its own legal services. The talks also covered plans to offer training for judges, lawyers, and legal workers so they can better handle new challenges such as online crime and international law.

Bahrain has been working with several countries in Europe to improve its justice system. Past partnerships with Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany have helped Bahrain upgrade legal training programs and introduce digital tools into courtrooms. This visit to France is another step in that direction.

The Ministry of Justice in Bahrain said the trip was part of a long-term plan to improve the legal sector and keep up with global changes. This includes better legal education, faster court services, and stronger protection for people’s rights.

In 2024, Bahrain hosted a regional event on digital justice where European experts took part. That event helped spark more interest in working with European countries on legal issues, especially around digital privacy and international cooperation.

The visit also included discussions on future projects such as online training programs, joint legal workshops, and student exchanges. Both Bahrain and France agreed to continue working together to improve their justice systems and share knowledge on key topics like anti-money laundering and cross-border legal support.

Legal experts believe this visit will open the door for more joint efforts in the future. By learning from France’s legal practices, Bahrain aims to create a modern, fair, and efficient system that can meet the needs of its people and international partners.

The Ministry confirmed that more international visits are planned as Bahrain continues to invest in legal reform and global collaboration.