The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federative Republic of Brazil share more than just the memories of Portuguese maritime exploration and colonisation. Portuguese-built forts still overlook key bays and cities in both states, as a reminder of this distant past. Indeed, Portuguese colonial rule and goals were very different for each, including the length of time in which it lasted. In Bahrain, Portuguese rule was relatively brief—spanning from 1521 to 1602—and largely oriented toward strategic military and commercial dominance over Gulf maritime routes. While, in Brazil, Portuguese colonisation lasted from 1500 until the country’s independence in 1822, leaving an indelible mark on its language, culture, legal-administrative systems, and urban architecture. Today, with over 200 million Portuguese speakers, Brazil remains the largest Lusophone nation in the world. Nevertheless, despite the thin historical line that connects Bahrain to Brazil — not to mention their massive size difference — on the opposite side of the globe, they share a common goal: ensuring international peace and maritime security surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. Both actively contribute to regional and global efforts to safeguard these vital seas, demonstrating a joint resolve to deter illicit maritime activity and uphold international norms.

Bahrain, which means “between two seas,” is located in a strategic position in the Arabian Gulf and is a crucial contributor to maritime security throughout the region, by leasing the Naval Support Activity (NSA), which hosts the US’s Fifth Fleet, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), an international coalition that counts on the support of 46 countries, Brazil included. Its continuous presence serves as a clear signal to illicit actors: the international community will not tolerate unchallenged threats to maritime security.

In June 2025, Brazil will once again demonstrate its growing maritime diplomacy and operational leadership by assuming command CMF´s antipiracy taskforce (CTF-151) in the waters of the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Northern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, in a concerted international effort to maintain vital maritime routes safe and open for navigation as many challenges to maritime security unravel. Somali piracy is again dangerously on the rise in the region, as illicit actors take advantage of geopolitical instability. Luckily, the international community’s constant military naval presence in the area helps to balance out and combat these threats.

The Brazilian Navy’s presence in the NSA in Bahrain is not new: the country has contributed to CMF since it sent its first liaison officer to Bahrain in 2013. Ever since, its support has only grown in depth and in scope. In 2021, Brazil was the first Latin American country to send an Admiral to command CTF-151 (See our exclusive interview). In June 2025, the country will deploy its 4th Admiral and a group of 11 officers for this same purpose.

All in all, Bahrain and Brazil’s cooperation help to stabilise the seas of the Arabian Peninsula and this invaluable forward-looking partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to safeguarding global commons. Their efforts to secure the maritime space of the Arabian Peninsula not only reinforce international security but also reflect the strength of bilateral ties grounded in mutual respect and a common strategic vision. We wish all of them fair winds and following seas in accomplishing these valorous endeavours! Oxalá — Inshallah