Undersecretary of International Affairs meets Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in Washington

Washington, Nov. 14 (BNA): Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, met the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs in the Near East Bureau at the US Department of State, Timothy Lenderking. The visit came on the sidelines of the Bahraini delegation's visit to Washington to participate in the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) meeting. The two sides hailed the bilateral historical relations, discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, as well as developments on the regional and international scene. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla affirmed that the close cooperation and friendship relations, based on the strategic alliance between the two countries, is witnessing steady progress and wide diversity, as well as reflecting a long history of joint coordination and continuous endeavors to take it to broader horizons at all levels. The undersecretary welcomed the outcome of the Middle East Strategic Alliance meeting, which consisted of consensus on enhancing collective cooperation. He also expressed optimism that this alliance will strengthen the mechanisms of regional consultation and action and contribute to the security and prosperity of the Middle East. The undersecretary reviewed the most important challenges facing the Middle East region, especially the Arabian Gulf, pointing out that Bahrain has an agenda for issues and topics worthy of attention and follow-up. He also noted the importance of capitalizing on the available opportunities to reach sustainable solutions to the existing problems, and to face the various sources of threat, considering that the strategic alliance should align security and development, and devote its efforts to create a peaceful and prosperous environment to maximize benefits. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla said that the Kingdom gives high priority to combating the threat of terrorism through comprehensive approaches to eradicate this scourge, calling for concerted international efforts to punish sponsors of terrorism, and anyone who supports, funds and provides safe havens for terrorist groups and threatens international peace and security. He added that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has succeeded in providing the ideal model for reform, development, tolerance and the rule of law. The undersecretary noted the pioneering royal initiatives in supporting religious coexistence and spreading peace among the people of the world. He pointed the advanced status and the remarkable results achieved by the Kingdom of Bahrain in the State Department's reports in the areas of religious freedoms, tolerance and combating terrorism, and its continued maintaining Tier 1 Status in the 2019 US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. Lenderking expressed his pride and appreciation for the development of the friendly relations between the two countries at all levels. He also hailed the tireless efforts and pioneering steps taken by Bahrain to establish security and stability in the region and to fight terrorism, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity.