BEIRUT, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain is preparing to reopen its embassy in Beirut and appoint a resident ambassador, signaling a significant step toward restoring diplomatic relations with Lebanon after nearly four years of strained ties, Lebanon's National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The announcement came as Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received Bahrain's new Ambassador to Lebanon Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, who is currently based in Syria.

Sayyar affirmed "his country's support for Lebanon during its recovery and institutional rebuilding efforts, underscoring Bahrain's readiness to re-engage diplomatically."

Salam reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries, while voicing satisfaction with what he described as Lebanon's return to its natural place among its Arab brothers.

The Bahraini embassy in Lebanon was shut down in October 2021 following a sharp diplomatic fallout between Lebanon and several Gulf states.

The dispute stemmed from comments made by Lebanon's then-Information Minister George Kordahi, who criticized the Saudi-led coalition's involvement in the Yemen conflict. His remarks sparked widespread backlash in the Gulf.

Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, responded by recalling their ambassadors, and expelling Lebanese diplomats. In an effort to ease tensions, Kordahi stepped down from his post in December 2021. Enditem