Bahrain-Cyprus cooperation explored

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides received on Tuesday the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who paid a working visit to the Cypriot capital Nicosia on September 4-5.
The Undersecretary for International Affairs conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa to the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, appreciating the mutual desire to develop various fields of cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Cyprus is close and compatible, based on the promotion of international cooperation and development, respect for international law and international agreements and support for efforts to promote peace and stability. He expressed his firm rejection of any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the importance of addressing terrorist groups and their sources of funding, indicating that his country will continue to work with the European Union in this regard.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that the visit comes within the framework of strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries in various fields of common interest. As well as to follow up on the results of the visit of the President of Cyprus to the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2015, in order to activate the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.

The Undersecretary for International Affairs reviewed the current developments in the Gulf region, stressing that the Kingdom of Bahrain is a country of peace and stability which prioritizes the achievement of prosperity and sustainable development for the welfare and advancement of the people of the Kingdom, as evidenced by international indicators and reports issued by prestigious international institutions.

The Undersecretary said that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under its wise leadership, would not allow any attempt to undermine reform gains and development achievements, and will not tolerate those who think of undermining the security and stability of the region, "It is best to follow Bahrain's successful model instead of the desperate and failed attempts to derail its pioneering reform and development path," he said.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cyprus, Ambassador Alexandros Zenon held the first meeting of the political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries to activate the agreement signed in January 2011 in Manama. The meeting dealt with ways of enhancing relations between the two friendly countries, discussing agreements under study to further develop constructive bilateral cooperation.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has been able to make a quantum leap in various fields thanks to the comprehensive and renewed reform project of His Majesty the King.

The Undersecretary for International Affairs stressed that the GCC countries are responsible countries that respect their commitments and demand the same, and can not ignore or be silent about the support of groups and organizations of terrorism which pose a clear threat to international peace and security, affirming that the cessation of interference in internal affairs is the decisive step in the fight against terrorism, considering that the Middle East needs constant investment in peace.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cyprus expressed his country's rejection of interference in any other country's internal affairs, appreciating the growing and distinguished relations between his country and the Kingdom of Bahrain as a developed and reformed country in the Middle East.

Source:BNA