Seventh session of the UAE-Bahrain Higher Joint Committee decides to form a follow-up committee for the implementation of agreements

Abu Dhabi: The seventh session of the UAE-Bahrain Higher Joint Committee on Wednesday, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, and Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, issued a joint statement in which the two countries underscored their historic ties and close fraternal relationship. The joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting emphasised that the UAE and Bahrain share a common history, destiny and interests. The two sides decided to convene the eighth session of the UAE-Bahrain Higher Joint Committee in Bahrain in 2014, and to form a follow-up committee for the implementation of agreements between the two sides. The new committee will submit its recommendations to the Higher Joint Committee. The joint statement said that the leaders of both countries sought to further communication, coordination, consultation and the exchanging of visits at all levels towards a better future that is up to their aspirations as well as towards building productive economies and a scientific base for a prosperous future that is founded on the constants and principles of the Charter of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). The two sides emphasised their interest in promoting the unique fraternal relations between UAE and Bahrain and expressed satisfaction with the achievements made by the Higher Joint Committee since its previous meeting. They also expressed satisfaction with the continuous coordination and consultations between the two foreign ministries of the two countries in implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations which was signed on February 3, 2008. The two sides reviewed aspects of economic, trade, financial and investment cooperation between the two countries towards economic integration. They expressed satisfaction with the meetings and contacts of businessmen and investors from both countries during the meetings of the Higher Joint Committee. The joint statement also affirmed the commitment of the two countries to their unwavering positions on regional and international issues, as well as their determination to continue their coordination and consultations on all regional developments in order to promote peace, security and stability and achieve their common interests. – Emirates News Agency, WAM