Bahraini-Azerbaijani political consultations held

Manama, Apr. 10 (BNA): The Bahraini delegation headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, held the first meeting of the political consultations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku, while the Azerbaijani delegation was headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Khalaf Khalafov. During the meeting, they discussed means to promote bilateral relations and develop joint cooperation in various fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments of mutual interest and on combating extremism and terrorism. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla expressed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance political dialogue with friendly countries and reach strategic partnerships that contribute to the strengthening of cooperation and mutual coordination, praising the development witnessed in relations with the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan in recent years. The Undersecretary for International Affairs said that the two countries share many common diplomatic interests within the framework of their membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement, as the Kingdom recently participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Movement at its Eighteenth Session in Baku, as well as the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian States and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which held its second session last year. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla affirmed the importance of working to unite efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and to eliminate its sources of funding, referring to the danger of some countries sponsoring terrorist organizations and interfering in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, which is incompatible with the sovereignty and independence of these countries, principles of good-neighborliness and international norms and conventions. The Undersecretary for International Affairs warned of Iranian interference in the affairs of the countries of the region and its support for terrorist cells and groups, in addition to continuing to develop its arsenal of ballistic missiles, as a direct threat to regional security. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain issued a statement in September 2015 affirming the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla viewed the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in establishing the state of law and institutions and achieving stability, sustainable development and prosperity. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the relations between the two countries as having promising opportunities to reach further progress, indicating that the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 has been able to translate its objectives to diversify sources of income and attract qualitative investments. He added that the national economy is currently the most developed in the Gulf region, with excellent investment opportunities in an attractive and stimulating environment, an advanced infrastructure and organization that supports the acquisition of technology and financial services, as well as a regional hub for logistics and entrepreneurship, noting in this context to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the World Conference on Entrepreneurship in 2019. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla expressed optimism about the mutual desire to expand the scope of trade exchange and cooperation in the fields of energy, transportation, culture and tourism. As of last February, a decision was issued to grant citizens of Azerbaijan an electronic visa to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to stimulate tourism and investments, noting the success of the Kingdom in organizing the Formula 1 race which took place in the Baku tour in July 2016, seeing as the Kingdom has great experience in organizing international and continental events, which is confirmed by the outstanding organization of Formula 1 races hosted annually by the Kingdom. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan expressed his country's aspiration for further cooperation and coordination with the friendly Kingdom of Bahrain, praising the leading role of the Kingdom in bringing peace to the region and its remarkable presence in international forums as well as the reform steps and great developmental efforts, noting that there are many investment opportunities in the coming period, especially in the fields of food, agriculture and the petrochemical sector, in order to achieve common interests, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.