Foreign Minister holds meetings

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Ibrahim Al Jaafari, on the sidelines of the 13th session of Manama Dialogue.

Shaikh Khalid expressed his deep pride in the brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Iraq, stressing the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to further develop these relations in all fields to serve the interests of the two countries. He said that the joint committee between the two countries, which will hold a meeting soon, will have an important role in achieving these goals.

He praised the efforts of the Iraqi government, headed by Dr. Haider Al Abadi, in the fight against terrorism and the successes achieved by the Iraqi forces in confronting the terrorist organization, stressing the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain supporting the unity and sovereignty of Iraq over all its territory and all efforts to eliminate the terrorist organizations that threaten the security and stability of the world.

For his part, Dr. Al Jaafari expressed the appreciation of the Republic of Iraq for the positions of the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of the stability of Iraq, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity.
The Foreign Minister also met with Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of Kurdistan Regional Government, Falah Mustafa Bakir.

His expressed his pride in the Kurdistan region of Iraq as an important component of the Iraqi people and has a prominent role in the progress of Iraq, stressing the need to maintain the unity of Iraq and cohesion and solidarity among all its people, as well as commitment to dialogue between all parties and all signed agreements and provisions of the Constitution in the Republic of Iraq to ensure the interests all the components of his people.

For his part, Mr. Mustafa expressed his pride in meeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his appreciation for the role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in enhancing the security and stability of the region.
During a meeting between Shaikh Khalid and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Taro Kono, the two sides reviewed the course of the friendly relations between the two countries and ways of developing them at all levels.

They also discussed developments on the regional and international arenas and means of developing joint cooperation to new horizons for the benefit of the two friendly countries and peoples.

During the meeting, they stressed the importance of continuous communication and exchange of visits between officials of the two friendly countries to enhance joint coordination on various issues and contribute to supporting efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also met with the Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, M. J. Akbar.

Shaikh Khalid praised the continuous progress made by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India in light of the diverse opportunities and desires of the two friendly countries as well as the role played by the Indian community in the process of renaissance and development witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain in all sectors, a role which is highly respected and appreciated. He also noted the important role played by the Republic of India at the global level.

For his part, Mr. M. J. Akbar affirmed the keenness of the Republic of India and its continuous aspiration to enhance friendly relations and strengthen cooperation frameworks with the Kingdom of Bahrain at all levels, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain all progress and prosperity.

Shaikh Khalid also met with the Director of Government and International Affairs at the American Jewish Committee, Jason Isaacson, and reviewed the course of development of historical relations and the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America and the means to bolster these ties for the interests of both countries and peoples. A number of regional and international issues of common interest were also addressed. (MOFA)

Source: BNA