Foreign Ministry Undersecretary meets Brazilian Defense Minister

Brasilia, Sept. 17 (BNA): Brazilian Defense Minister, Fernando Azevedo e Silva, received Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla was heading Bahrain’s delegation to the second meeting of the political consultations between the two countries. The minister stressed his country's keen desire to develop its relations with Bahrain in various fields, especially in defense and security areas. He praised the positive and responsible role of the Kingdom in the fight against terrorism to ensure maritime safety and security and promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The undersecretary affirmed Bahrain’s desire to consolidate its relations and coordination with Brazil and took pride in the deep historical and close relations between the two countries He attributed the strength of bilateral ties to the long decades of trust and respect between the two countries as well as to their mutual desire to enhance common benefits and strength international peace and security. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that the development of cooperation with South American countries is accorded high attention in the foreign policy of Bahrain, noting the importance of Brazil at both regional and international levels. He affirmed that the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is a trusted and appreciated international partner due its constant and clear policies and given its commitment to international conventions, laws, reform, freedoms and sustainable development noble human values. “Bahrain boasts of a successful integrated system in combating extremism that entitles it to be an international model in terms of fight against violence of all forms and consolidation of regional peace and security beside its effective contributions to many honorable military and humanitarian tasks.” Dr. Shaikh Abdullah touched on Bahrain playing host of the second edition of the International defense Exhibition & Conference (BIDEC) under the royal auspices on October 28-30, warmly inviting other companies to follow suit of the two Brazilian companies, which participated in BIDEC’s first edition last year. He praised the existing cooperation in environmental protection between the two countries and commended the Brazilian efforts in combatting Amazon Forest fires. He also met with the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense of the Federal Senate of the Brazilian National Congress, Nelson Filho. Both sides discussed ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation, as well as exchanging views on the current regional and international developments and combating extremism and terrorism. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla reviewed the democratic development in Bahrain within the framework of the comprehensive reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He pointed out that the consolidation of democratic practice with integrity and transparency and its popular participation, alongside the promotion of freedoms and human rights and the realization of women's contribution in various areas confirms the success of reform and development within the framework of the state of institutions and law. The undersecretary for International Affairs added that the legislative authority plays a pivotal and constructive role in decision-making under the principle of separation of powers, based on national responsibility, in order to strengthen the pillars of the modern civil state. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla reviewed the achievements of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 in diversifying the national economy and attracting investments, showcasing that the Kingdom was able to achieve a balance between the requirements of security and the fight against terrorism and to move forward in protecting freedoms and achieving sustainable development. The Chairman of Foreign Affairs and National Defense at the Federal Senate welcomed the development of cooperation with the Kingdom as an advanced reform and development country, wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity.