Deputy Premier attends Sudanese President's inauguration

Khartoum, June 2 (BNA): Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa today attended, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the inauguration of Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, who was sworn-in at the National Assembly in Khartoum. He conveyed greetings from HM the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier to President Al-Bashir on his re-election for a new term last April. The Deputy Premier said that Bahrain is looking forward to bolstering relations with Sudan, stressing the desire of the two countries to strengthen joint cooperation towards achieving their bilateral and pan-Arab interests. He commended President Al-Bashir's initiatives to achieve Arab food security, citing the agreement which was signed last February between the two countries. Under the deal, Khartoum authorities granted Bahrain 24,000 hectares in one of the most fertile regions in North Sudan to serve as a launchpad for the investment project "Khairat Al-Bahrain. The Deputy Premier reiterated Bahrain's stance in support of Sudan in its efforts to maintain its security and stability and achieve national development. He welcomed the efforts led by President Al-Bashir to achieve further reforms by calling for an inclusive national dialogue which engages all political parties so as to reach a consensus that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people. The Deputy Premier hailed the Sudanese stances which are in tune with Bahrain's policy regarding the Arab causes and the protection of pan-Arab security. He stressed particularly the two countries' support to the Arab Peace Initiative and the establishment of the Palestinian State within the 1967 frontiers with East Jerusalem as its capital. He underlined the need to confront extremism and the scourge of terrorism, stressing the importance of promoting dialogue to address political and social problems.