HRH Premier congratulated by Austrian president

Vienna, Mar. 12 (BNA): Austria’s Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer received, at the Hofburg Palace in the historic city centre of Vienna, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Mutawa, in the presence Shaikh Hussam bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain's Ambassador to Austria, Yusuf Abdulkarim. The Austrian President welcomed the visit of the kingdom’s delegation to his country, which, he said, confirms the strength of the existing bilateral cooperation ties, wishing that the visit would bolster cooperation between the two friendly countries further. Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer expressed sincere congratulations to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa on winning the "Flame of Peace" Award granted to him by the Association for the Furtherance of Peace in recognition of his role in promoting humanitarian work and enhancing peace at the global level. He affirmed that the 40-year old Bahraini-Austrian relations have always been based on mutual understanding and respect, affirming that the two countries share the desire to develop their friendship and cooperation ties in various fields. He underlined his country’s support to all efforts to promote understanding and rapprochement among various countries to foster worldwide peace. Dr. Heinz Fischer highlighted the long-standing relations between his country and Arab countries. He expressed hope that the friendly Bahraini-Austrian relations will continue growing in the coming period through extending bridges of communication and cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, affirming his country’s keenness on creating new opportunities for fruitful bilateral cooperation. The Austrian President called for enhancing joint efforts to consolidate bilateral cooperation in order to create more opportunities in various sectors. The Cabinet Affairs Minister expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Austrian President for the gracious welcome accorded to the delegation, affirming the kingdom’s keenness on developing cooperation with friendly Austria in all fields. He praised Austria, and described it as a model for openness and cultural and religious diversity, stressing that the two countries share keenness on supporting efforts to reinforce the pillars of peace and stability across the world. He pointed out that Bahrain is currently witnessing a development and progress boom at all levels, affirming that the kingdom has managed to establish itself as a modern country that values democracy and freedom and respects human rights.