Bahrain has lifted the restrictions on food imports from Japan, which were imposed after the nuclear disaster in March 2011, which was caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami that stuck the island nation.
With this move, Bahrain has become the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council to lift import restrictions on Japanese food products. This decision eliminates the need for Japanese food producers to submit inspection certificates, which confirm that the food does not contain radioactive substances.
This decision was taken during a two-day visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinz Abe to Bahrain, which ended 25 August. Bahrain Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa informed this decision to Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at a meeting in 24 August in Manama, Bahrain.
Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry Press secretary Kuni Sato said that Japan welcomes Bahrain's decision to lift restrictions on its food imports upon mutually decided terms.
"Bahrain is the first country in the GCC to lift the ban on food imports and we welcome the decision," Sato added.
Bahrain's decision to lift restrictions comes after Japan made a request to Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during a visit to Japan in March.
Japan expects other GCC states to lift similar restrictions that were placed on food shipments following the nuclear accident in Fukushima prefecture.
