HM King Hamad, President Putin hold talks at Kremlin

Moscow, Sep. 6 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Russian President Vladimir Putin held official talks at the Kremlin in the Russian capital Moscow. President Putin in his speech welcomed HM King Hamad, expressing hope that his visit to the International Military-Technical Forum Army 2016 would be highly beneficial and would provide deep insights into Russia’s military and technical capabilities. President Putin described the visit by HM the King to Russia as highly significant. The Russian leader added that during his participation in the G20 Summit, he held talks with Bahrain’s partners in the Arabian Gulf about all areas of bilateral cooperation, stressing that HM the King’s visit to Russia was taking place at the right time. In his speech, HM King Hamad expressed his thanks and appreciation to President Putin about the generous invitation to visit Russia and the gracious welcome and hospitality accorded to him. HM the king conveyed the greetings of Bahrainis and said that he was pleased to have visited the International Military-Technical Forum Army 2016 and to learn more about the advanced Russian military capabilities and potential. HM the King added that he wanted to thank the Russian Deputy Prime Minister for military-industrial development and the Defence Minister for their warm welcome. HM the King said that his visit to Russia was a continuation of the positive relations between the two countries and of the past agreements that were being implemented, adding his deep appreciation to President Putin and his government. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and ways to consolidate them in all areas, based on their outstanding friendship and expanding cooperation. HM the King stressed Bahrain’s interest in reinforcing its relations with Russia in all areas and in a way that meets the aspirations of both countries and peoples and serves their shared interests. HM King Hamad said that cooperation between Manama and Moscow has been steadily progressing particularly in the economic, commercial, investment, defence, cultural, tourism and energy fields, based in the accords signed by the two countries. HM King Hamad and President Putin reviewed the regional and international issues and the latest developments in the Middle East. The two countries stressed the significance of security, stability and peace in the region and the world and of combating terrorism and extremism. HM the King praised the International Military-Technical Forum Army 2016 and expressed Bahrain’s interest in advanced military systems. He lauded Russia’s readiness to cooperate in the area of space science as expressed by the deputy prime minister responsible for the development of Russia's defense industry. HM the King said that the talks with President Putin were constructive and beneficial and would have positive effects on the consolidation of the relations between the two friendly countries. He added that the meeting was a good opportunity to exchange points of view over several regional and international issues of shared interest.