Bahrain, Singapore stress commitment to strengthening relations

Manama, Nov. 21 (BNA): Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa today met with Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Republic of Singapore Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah expressed delight over the steady development of the relations between the two countries in many areas. He stressed Bahrain’s interest and keenness to strengthen cooperation with Singapore towards a comprehensive and solid partnership, especially in light of the many similarities between the two countries. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that Asia holds an advanced position in Bahrain’s priorities, both bilaterally and at the level of enhancing understanding and friendship between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He pointed in this regard to the lofty vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which was presented to the GCC in 2009, on the need to activate the Asian dimension in the Gulf relations in order to achieve mutual benefits. He also cited the Kingdom’s recent signing of the instrument of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as an important step that reflects Bahrain's keenness to strengthen relations with ASEAN countries. The Undersecretary for International Affairs pointed out the importance of opening new horizons for bilateral cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, entrepreneurship, banking, tourism, exhibitions, youth and sports, and providing training and high-quality education. He emphasized the availability of other opportunities in the link between investments and technologies on one hand and the GCC and ASEAN markets on the other, in addition to encouraging the private sector’s digital economy. He also stressed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and drying up its financing sources, pointing to the danger of some countries that sponsor terrorist organizations and interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, in blatant violation of the principles of good neighborliness and international conventions He also condemned all acts that threaten the safety of navigation and international trade, emphasizing the importance of protecting the straits and sea corridors and calling for unified efforts to combat rising sea water levels in island countries as a result of climate change and waring against its repercussions. The Singaporean Minister expressed his country's willingness to develop cooperation with Bahrain and praised the Kingdom's hosting of international events, in order to enhance its constructive role and bring peace and stability in the Middle East region. He also stressed Singapore's follow-up of the developments in the Gulf region and its concern for security and stability in this vital part of the world.