HRH Premier receives Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary

Manama, May 12 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received here today the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alan Peter Cayetano, who is currently on a visit to the kingdom, in the presence of the Philippines President's Special Envoy to the GCC Dr Amabel Aguiluz. The meeting reviewed areas of cooperation between the two friendly countries, within the memoranda of understanding signed between them for their common interests. HRH Premier welcomed the Philippine minister’s visit, noting that that it will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations at all levels. The Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs conveyed greetings to HRH the Prime Minister from the Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, and his wishes of abundant health and happiness to him, and of further progress and prosperity to Bahrain and its people. The Prime Minister asserted that relations between Bahrain and the Philippines are based on solid foundations of mutual understanding towards regional and global issues, and entitle the two countries to enhance them towards wider horizons of constructive cooperation. HRH Premier requested the minister to convey his greetings to President Rodrigo Duterte, recalling his recent successful visit to Bahrain, and its fruitful outcomes that contributed to strengthening the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries. HRH Premier expressed satisfaction with the progress witnessed by the bilateral cooperation in various fields, which, he said, embodies the depth of bilateral ties of friendship which are based on a long history of mutual understanding and respect. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of intensifying exchanged visits between the two countries’ officials in broadening joint cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade and investment fields. HRH Premier stressed the need to consolidate cooperation and partnerships between businessmen and the private sector in the two countries to increase joint investments that benefit the two states and their peoples. HRH the Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to more joint action in the coming period to open up new fields of constructive cooperation. The Prime Minister lauded the role played by the expatriate Filipino community in Bahrain in the kingdom’s development march, affirming that they enjoy all forms of respect and appreciation at the official and popular levels. The Philippines minister expressed thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for the warm welcome accorded to him, lauding his role in enhancing bilateral relations. He hailed the Premier’s interest in expanding areas of cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Asian countries in various fields, at the bilateral level or through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He stressed his country’s appreciation of the care enjoyed by the Filipino community in Bahrain, highlighting the Philippines’ keenness on developing its cooperation with the kingdom to meet joint aspirations.