The Philippines condemns violence and terrorism in Bahrain

By Kawthar Al Anbari Manama, Apr. 19. (BNA) -- The Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain Sahid S. Glang reiterated his country’s condemnation of the on-going series of acts of violence and terrorism in Bahrain. In a statement to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), he said that the Philippines strongly denounced all acts of terrorism which fueled hatred and sedition among the Bahraini people and hampered efforts being exerted to achieve security, stability and development all over the Kingdom. “The Philippines backs the Bahraini Government's efforts to maintain the security and safety of citizens and residents in Bahrain. My country supports the wish of the Bahraini people to maintain national unity and achieve reconciliation," he stressed. The Ambassador said that his country supported the initiative of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to resume the National Dialogue which, he stressed, is the optimal means to deal with all matters of concern to the Bahraini community, asserting the opinion that dialogue and consultation provide an opportunity to all parties to resolve all disputes peacefully, amicably and inclusively. He urged all parties to respond to the invitation of HM the King positively so as to pave the way for Bahrain’s stability and development. Ambassador Sahid Glang emphasised the deep-rooted bilateral relations, and expressed his country’s aspiration to develop, boot and consolidate its relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain in all areas of mutual cooperation in various fields. He reiterated his country’s desire to launch new areas of bilateral cooperation in various fields. The Ambassador said that the political relations between his country and Bahrain were progressing very well, citing the existence of a great deal of coordination and cooperation between the two countries on the political arena through the provision of mutual support for membership in United Nations’ agencies and other international organisations as well as multilateral functions. He said that 16 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) pertaining to numerous aspects of cooperation had been signed by Bahrain and the Philippines, adding that the two countries recently signed a bilateral agreement regarding political consultations, and intend to sign a memorandum of understanding pertaining to the establishment of a Joint High Committee. He said that exchanging high-level bilateral visits between officials in both countries had contributed a lot in developing the bilateral relations. He emphasised the considerable significance of the visit of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and Chairman of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO)’s Board of Trustees, to the Philippines Republic last February, which, he said, boosted relations between the two friendly countries. The Ambassador said that the two countries enjoyed good bilateral economic relations and considered Bahrain a major trade partner of his country in terms of imports and exports. He explained that the two countries now cooperate in civil aviation services, manpower recruitment, investments, taxation, tourism, education, health services, agriculture and industry. Several memorandums of understanding are currently under discussion, which would boost cooperation in the fields of banking, visas, academic exchange, technical and vocational training, he also said. He said that the size of the Filipino community in Bahrain exceeded 67,000 in number, including skilled workers who participate in several areas of work. He said that the Philippines community’s contribution to the Bahraini economy is more manifest in architectural engineering, medical and health services, education, hotels and domestic service sectors. KA/ IY/WHQ