BAHRAIN is set to have a new diplomatic mission headquartered in Abu Dhabi after Shura Council members yesterday approved a BD4.5 million loan from the UAE government.

Councillors passed a decree issued by His Majesty King Hamad to acquire the interest-free loan from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund.

The move comes as part of Bahrain's plans to expand its diplomatic mission to provide services to its nationals abroad and offer investment opportunities in Bahrain.

Meanwhile, councillors also approved three new financial, aviation and investment treaties with Turkmenistan, Man Island and Turkey.

They also backed parliament in its rejection to form a human rights authority which was proposed by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society's bloc during its term in parliament.