ID :
396382
Mon, 02/08/2016 - 23:20
Auther :

Bahrain, Russia keen on boosting ties in various areas

Moscow, Feb. 8 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held today a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the presidential headquarters in Sochi, Russia. He was welcomed on arrival by the Russian President who gave a speech in which he welcomed HM the King and thanked him for the visit, recalling the meeting they had one and a half year ago during which they discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations. The Russian President pledged to continue the efforts of fostering cooperation between both countries, pointing out the global economic difficulties. "Bahrain is a key partner not only in the Gulf region but also in the Middle East," he said. "We are happy to meet our Bahraini friends and discuss the overall regional and international situation with them." In a reply speech, HM King Hamad thanked the Russian President for the invitation which he described as an opportunity to exchange views on ways of enhancing bilateral relations and common interests. "Undoubtedly the situation in the Middle East is important for the economic condition," HM the King said, stressing the need for cooperation to overcome economic hardships. Both leaders discussed strong ties binding both countries and ways of boosting bilateral cooperation to achieve the aspirations of the two friendly peoples. They expressed satisfaction at the advanced level of the Bahraini-Russian relations, underlining keenness on more cooperation in various fields. They also discussed regional and international developments, stressing the need to maintain global peace and security, preserve regional stability and fight terrorism. In a statement given after the meeting, HM King Hamad lauded growing relations of friendship between Bahrain and Russia, expressing happiness about visiting Russia to further cement bilateral links and cooperation mainly in the defence, security, energy, economic, investment, trade and tourism fields. "This visit reflects our unwavering policy of openness on the world," he said, underscoring the importance of cooperation with friendly countries to promote security and stability worldwide and overcome crises and challenges by consolidating relations based on mutual respect and common interests. HM the King attended a lunch banquet hosted by the Russian President in his honour at the presidential headquarters in Sochi. It was attended by HM the King's accompanying delegation and senior Russian officials. Then, both leaders exchanged commemorative gifts. HM the King offered the Russian President an Arab sword, Al-Nasr (Victory), studded with natural Bahraini pearls while the Russian President offered HM the King an Akhal-Teke horse that was born in 2012 and won many times the world championship with its breed.

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