Israel’s government has sealed an air services agreement with the kingdom of Bahrain, complementing its recent similar pact with the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement will allow operators from each side to carry out up to 14 weekly services between the Bahraini capital, Manama, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport.

It also covers unlimited flights between Manama and the resort of Eilat’s Ramon airport.

“Flights will start in the coming weeks,” says the Israeli transport ministry.

Foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi says the pact is “another important pillar” in the normalisation of relations between the two countries.

“This is a partnership between equals that will lead to the beginning of a wave of business, economic and tourism,” he adds.

Israeli transport minister Miri Regev adds that the agreement “provides a boost and encouragement for the future of aviation, tourism and trade.”