Premier invited to St Petersburg Forum

Manama, June 1 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at Gudaibiya Palace today Russian Ambassador to Bahrain Vagif Garaev who presented him a letter from Russian Deputy Premier Prikhodko Sergey including an invitation to attend the 20th St Petersburg's International Economic Forum which set to be held in St Petersburg on June 16 - 18 under the patronage of Russian President Vladimir Putin. HRH the Prime Minister expressed thanks for the invitation, lauding growing bilateral relations and coordination regarding regional and international issues of common interest. He underlined Bahrain's keenness to further consolidate economic, trade and investment ties with Russia, describing it as an active partner in maintaining global security and stability due to its influential economic and political role. He called on businessmen in both countries to take advantage of the available opportunities in Bahrain and Russia to set up more joint ventures that contribute to the development efforts in the two friendly countries. HRH the Premier underlined the ongoing efforts to bolster cooperation between the GCC countries and Russia, lauding the outcome of the GCC-Russian dialogue held recently in Moscow and which affirmed anew the need to adhere to the principles of good neighbourliness and no interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Russian ambassador praised the strong relations between Bahrain and Russia which are based on mutual trust and respect, commending HRH the Premier's keenness to further enhance bilateral ties and cooperation.