Bahrain and Finland hold political consultations

Helsinki, Oct.2 (BNA): The second meeting of the political consultations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Finland was held today in the historic "Layered House" in Helsinki, Under the chairmanship of The Undersecretary of International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Director General of the Department of Africa and the Middle East at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola During the meeting, the two sides discussed areas of joint cooperation and ways of developing them, they also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of the meetings of political consultations with the friendly Republic of Finland, in order to intensify efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields to meet common aspirations, appreciating the outcome of the first round of political consultations between the two countries, which was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain in April 2017. He also said that the Kingdom of Bahrain is an effective and reliable international partner, and has many qualitative achievements and valuable contributions to the welfare of its people and the service of humanity, pointing out that the issues of regional stability, international security, sustainable development, democratic development, human rights, combating extremism and terrorism, and building partnerships are at the forefront of the Kingdom's concerns and permanently working on improving them permanently and protect national capabilities. He expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's desire to develop cooperation with the Republic of Finland at all levels, saying: "In view of the consensus and positions between the two countries on the importance of working for the sovereignty of security and prosperity, as well as long decades of distinguished diplomatic relations, it requires the exploitation of the promising opportunities available, and to expand new horizons on the ground of mutual understanding and respect." Referring to the advanced position that the Kingdom of Bahrain has in international indicators, including the Kingdom's leadership in the areas of economic openness, human development, education, health, telecommunications, and others, while Finland's accession to the European Union in 1995 has contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations in line with the growing ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union, noting that Finland is presiding over the current session of the European Union. He noted the successive measures and initiatives that reflect the distinguished investment climate and the availability of the necessary legal guarantees, in accordance with international standards and with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which managed to balance democratic development with a steady growth of the smart economy, within a stimulating and modern environment protected by law, explaining that the Bahraini economy is characterized by diversification and growth, as the Kingdom of Bahrain is a Center of finance, entrepreneurship, the development of government performance, and a major gateway to trade with the Gulf region, thanks to its strategic location and logistics. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has succeeded in establishing an integrated, comprehensive and pioneering reform system in the region, based on the principles of progress, moderation and civilized coexistence, in its broad sense, human rights are an integral part of national action. The Undersecretary of International Affairs affirmed that terrorism threatens the security and stability of all countries of the world without exception, He warned that the danger of the Iranian regime is transboundary, on one hand seeks to regional destabilization and threaten international peace and security, through networks of terrorist organizations and militias, on the other hand it targets global energy supplies and international trade. For her part, the Director General of the Department of Africa and the Middle East at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her country's aspiration to work with the Kingdom of Bahrain in joint fields, especially as the two countries share a commitment to development efforts, combating terrorism and spreading world peace, wishing the Kingdom continued progress and prosperity. As part of his official working visit, The Undersecretary of International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, attended a luncheon hosted by the Undersecretary of state for foreign and security policy, Mr. Kai Sauer, in honor of his Excellency and his accompanying delegation, where the two sides reviewed prospects of cooperation between the two countries and the latest developments on the regional and international level.