Undersecretary for International Affairs holds meetings in European Parliament

Brussels, Feb. 22 (BNA): Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, held a series of meetings with prominent members of the European Parliament in Brussels. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah started off his visit to the European Parliament by meeting members of the executive office of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR). The meeting dealt with several issues as well as with the delegation's visit to Bahrain next month. The Undersecretary for International Affairs outlined Bahrain’s foreign policy, which underlies its responsibility towards regional and international issues, its contribution to the promotion of international peace and security under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He pointed out that Bahrain has been and will remain a civilized country that is open to different cultures and that has made great strides in its respect for religious freedom and human rights, the consolidation of a culture of tolerance and citizenship, which resulted in the Kingdom becoming a regional model to be emulated. The Undersecretary referred to the Bahrain-European relations as strong and sophisticated and with a promising potential to achieve deeper cooperation and co-ordination at various levels. He pointed to Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 that aims to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a centre for entrepreneurship and government policies that adopt the highest standards of efficiency and quality. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah noted that the countries that combat terrorism and seek stability and moderation in the Middle East face expansionist schemes and mechanisms, Iranian and Qatari interference in their internal affairs and the spread of terrorism. He referred to the attempt by some outlaws to exploit the European arena to target Bahrain in a manner inconsistent with the international efforts to combat terrorism. He commended the role of the members of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), their positive attitudes towards Bahrain, their contribution to the reality of the situation in the Kingdom and their overall efforts in various fields with all objectivity and transparency. He stressed the importance of intensifying communication with members of the European Parliament in order to consolidate relations between the two sides. For their part, the members of the executive office of the ECR confirmed the positive steps being taken by Bahrain to strengthen its democratic process and national security, to benefit common interests. Dr Shaikh Abdullah also met Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, Anders Vistisen, and discussed the security challenges in the Middle East, including interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, the current situation in Yemen, and the fight against extremism and terrorism. Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed that security and development are inextricably linked to the sustainability of peace and stability against terrorism threats, which requires the cooperation of the international community to confront terrorism and dry up its sources of support and funding. He referred to the vital role of the Saudi-led coalitions and the Kingdom's active involvement in the fight against foreign-funded terrorism. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah discussed the role of Iranian networks, groups and cells in many Arab countries, which pose a great threat to international peace and security and called for partnerships to contribute to combating terrorism and supporting sustainable development. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah also met members of the "Group of Friends of the Kingdom of Bahrain" in the European Parliament for a luncheon to exchange views and ideas and discuss any consolidation of existing relations. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation for the role of the parliamentary group, which was announced in June 2016 under the directives of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in order to enhance cooperation with the European Parliament based on the openness policy adopted by Bahrain towards all forums and international bodies. During the meeting, the Undersecretary for International Affairs reviewed the current developments in the Gulf region and highlighted the developments in Bahrain at the internal and external levels. He stressed that Bahrain is a country of peace and development and pointed out that it was able to achieve a qualitative leap in various fields thanks to the reform approach of His Majesty the King. He pointed out that the reform process emphasised respect for human rights within the state of institutions and law, in which the national legislation joined several regional and international agreements to reflect full and permanent respect for rights and freedoms. He stressed that Bahrain is continuing its comprehensive and pioneering development process to consolidate the foundations of the modern civil state. The members of the Group of Friends of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the European Parliament praised Bahrain as a reformist country in the Middle East, and expressed their interest in visiting the Kingdom in the near future.