Foreign Ministry Undersecretary meets Finnish State Secretary

Helsinki, Oct.1 (BNA): The State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic is Finland, Ms. Johanna Sumuvouri, received today at the Government Palace, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, on the sidelines of his official visit to Helsinki to hold a political consultation meeting between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Finland during the 1st and 2nd of October. The Undersecretary for International Affairs conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, to his Finnish counterpart, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, affirming the Kingdom of Bahrain’s willingness to strengthen relations with the Republic of Finland in various fields, for the benefit of both countries and peoples. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla reviewed the most prominent principles and concerns of the Kingdom’s foreign policy and its positions on regional and international issues as well as its commitment to the provisions of international charters and laws. He also detailed in this regard the Kingdom’s significant achievements and its qualitative reforms at all levels as a state of law and institutions, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He highlighted the Kingdom's pioneering role in the areas of reform, freedoms, human rights and sustainable development, in addition to supporting human values such as tolerance, peace and coexistence. The Undersecretary for International Affairs pointed out the joint efforts of the two friendly countries in combatting terrorism and condemning all of its forms, manifestations and motives, affirming the Kingdom’s unequivocal position in the fight against terrorism and to dry up its financial sources, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla mentioned that the two friendly countries have many promising investment opportunities, especially in the fields of renewable energy, emerging industries, tourism, culture, digital technology and other developmental areas. He showcased how the Kingdom of Bahrain has an attractive and distinctive business environment in light of the successful Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which enhanced the investment climate and diversification of the national economy and keep pace with modern technology sectors, noting in this regard the significant and motivating incentives and facilities that can benefit Finnish investments and companies through advanced and effective government programs. The Undersecretary for International Affairs commended the two countries in their efforts exerted to tackle the environmental challenges resulting from pollution and climate change, in order to achieve a balanced and safe global environment and protect biodiversity. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain pays special attention to the protection of the environment, referring to in this regard the pivotal role of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), led by the Personal Representative of His Majesty King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Environment, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, as the Republic of Finland places climate at the top of its agenda during its presidency of the European Union. The State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomed the Undersecretary’s visit, stressing the importance of commencing the round of political consultations to promote bilateral cooperation.