Bahrain’s foreign policy highlighted

Manama, Mar. 4 (BNA): Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, received a delegation from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), led by its Vice-Chair Van Olden. He highlighted Bahrain’s foreign policy principles and its responsible and leading positions on regional and international issues, as well as its contributions to the reinforcement of international peace and security. He highlighted comprehensive reforms and achievements, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, stressing Bahrain’s stability and development. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah described the meeting as a reflection of the progress of the Bahraini-European relations which are based on friendship and understanding, adding that it provides an opportunity to enhance cooperation and joint coordination at various levels. He said that it also reflects the mutual desire to achieve common interests, especially after the meeting of the two sides in Brussels last week. He said that Bahrain represents a regional model for reform and sustainable development, youth initiatives, tolerance and respect for religious freedom and human rights in a broad sense. He noted that the Kingdom is successfully countering terrorist plots and illegal foreign interferences. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah hailed the role of the members of the ECR and their positive stances with the Kingdom of Bahrain, praising their contribution to clarifying the reality of the situation in the Kingdom in the European Parliament, which is considered as an important international forum. The members of the delegation stressed the importance of the visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to learn more about the measures taken to promote democratic development and protect national and regional security, which leads to achieving common interests. They also commended the achievements of women's empowerment in accordance with a continuous reform framework, the achievement of high rates of human development as well as the adoption of open and modern economic policies. The European Conservatives and Reformists Group was founded in 2009 and includes 70 members from 15 European countries, and is the third largest party in the European Parliament. The meeting was attended by member of the Council of Representatives, Isa Abdul Jabbar Al-Kooheji, the Assistant Undersecretary for Western Countries and Afro-Asian Affairs, Ambassador Tawfeeq Al-Mansoor, and the Director of the European Affairs and European Union Directorate, Shaikha Aysha bint Ahmed Al-Khalifa.