Bahrain, India sign agreements

Manama, July 15 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, met today with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Sushma Swaraj, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom. The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the developing strong historic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India, which reflect the keenness of the two countries to optimize all opportunities of joint cooperation to achieve mutual interests. Minister Swaraj expressed sincere thanks and appreciation for the hospitality she has received in the Kingdom, which reflects the strength of the friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India in various fields. She also wished Bahrain continued progress and prosperity. The second meeting of the Bahraini-Indian High Joint Commission was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Indian Counterpart. The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the strength of the historic relations between the two countries have resulted in bringing their people together. He added that the visits of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the Republic of India resulted in finding new areas for joint cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the contributions of the Indian community to the progress and development of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the strengthening of bilateral relations. He praised the mutual support between the two countries in all fields, highlighting the role of the Republic of India in promoting common interests in security, peace and development at both the regional and international levels. Shaikh Khalid affirmed that the Kingdom places great importance on the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed on joint cooperation, adding that the second meeting of the Bahraini-Indian High Joint Commission will have positive outcomes in various fields. Minister Swaraj asserted the Indian government’s keenness to strengthen relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the constant development of these relations in the fields of trade, economy, culture and social communication. She lauded the high level of support provided to the Indian community in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and expressed hope to further develop all ties with the Kingdom for the benefit of the two countries and their friendly people. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Indian counterpart signed an agreement between the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the government of the Republic of India on the exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and private passport holders, a memorandum of understanding between the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of renewable energy, and a memorandum of understanding between the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of health care. The second meeting of the Bahraini-Indian High Joint Commission issued a statement condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides also agreed to work together in the field of space technology and discussed cooperation between the Bahraini National Space Science Agency and the Indian Space Research Organization, to benefit from the Indian expertise in the operation and launch of satellites and other space areas. It was agreed to hold the third meeting of the Bahraini-Indian High Joint Commission in New Delhi.