Bahrain-Turkmenstan first consultations meeting held

Manama, July 31 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) held the first meeting of the political consultations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Turkmenistan, chaired by MoFA Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, B.Myatiev. During the meeting, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of the Turkmen delegation and stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to strengthen the relations of cooperation and consolidate existing interests with the Republic of Turkmenistan for the benefit of both countries and peoples. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations and joint cooperation in various fields. The two sides exchanged views on the current regional and international issues and developments of mutual concern and ways to combat extremism and terrorism. He highlighted the importance of these political consultations for developing bilateral relations with friendly countries in various fields, noting the development witnessed in the relations with the Republic of Turkmenistan in recent years in the light of the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2011. He also mentioned that on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, participated in the international conference held in Ashgabat in December 2015 entitled "Neutrality Policy: International Cooperation for Peace, Security and Development" on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. The Kingdom’s visit holds great significance, as the Kingdom of Bahrain was the first country to send a delegation to visit this friendly country after gaining independence. The Undersecretary for International Affairs affirmed that the relations between the two countries have promising and great opportunities to reach ultimate progression, especially in light of the mutual keenness to activate the signed agreements and the existence of qualitative investments in the fields of energy, gas, tourism, youth and sports, as well as the Kingdom's economic fields based on technical and financial technology, logistics and entrepreneurship. He also noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Majesty the King, has succeeded in consolidating its position as a leading regional model for reform and sustainable development, and thus signifying that "there are many excellent investment opportunities through which economic and investment cooperation frameworks can be developed, in addition to enhancing the cultural and humanitarian ties, due to the cultural richness of both countries." Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that the Gulf and Central Asia regions face dangerous Iranian illegal interventions, which are contrary to the principles of good neighborliness, international norms and conventions and are a direct threat to regional security and world peace. He stressed the importance of uniting efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and to drain its sources of funding, calling for the international community to focus on dismantling terrorist networks, ending the terrorist armed militias and punishing its sponsors as a necessary and decisive step in promoting stability and sustainable development and prosperity. The Undersecretary for International Affairs affirmed the Kingdom's support for the positive neutrality adopted by the Republic of Turkmenistan as a modern state committed to neutrality based on the noble principles of the United Nations in maintaining peace, security and mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan expressed his country's keenness to strengthen ties of cooperation and coordination with the friendly Kingdom of Bahrain, praising the leading role of the Kingdom in establishing regional peace. He also pointed out that there are many joint investment and economic opportunities which serves mutual interests, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s leadership and people further progress and prosperity.