Bahrain, Hungary foreign ministers hold press conference
Budapest, Jan 30 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, held a press conference today following the meeting of the Bahrain Hungary Joint Economic Committee.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke on his meeting with Her Excellency President of the Republic of Hungary Katalin Novak and commended the importance she gives to bilateral cooperation between the two countries and the need for continued joint efforts to expand cooperation in all fields.
Dr. Al Zayani said he conveyed the greetings of His Majesty the King to the President of Hungary, who relayed her greetings to His Majesty and her appreciation for the development of the distinguished relations between the two countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs commended the status of the relations between Bahrain and Hungary, highlighting their development in various sectors due to the keenness of the leadership in both countries to strengthen and expand these ties.
Dr. Al Zayani said that he and his counterpart, Minister Szijjártó held the meeting of the joint economic committee to discuss means to enhance bilateral cooperation in various domains, including political, economic, environmental, educational, cultural, energy, and agricultural sectors.
The meeting also discussed boosting trade exchange, attracting investments, and improving cooperation in food security and modern technology.
Dr. Al Zayani said that the meeting was successful and beneficial, and it has been agreed to implement the decisions made during the meeting and to hold the third committee meeting in Bahrain next year.
The meeting emphasised the significance of fostering joint political and diplomatic efforts, enhancing cooperation between foreign affairs ministries in areas like political consultation, diplomatic training, exchange of support in international fora, and following up on the implementation of bilateral cooperation decisions.
Dr. Al Zayani said that he discussed with his Hungarian counterpart the latest Middle East developments, the Palestinian cause and the tragic Gaza Strip war and its impact on regional security and stability.
Dr. Al Zayani said that during the meeting he reiterated the kingdom's stance on the Gaza Strip war, which calls for immediately ending the war, protection of civilians, the release of hostages and detainees, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need to alleviate suffering per international humanitarian law and relevant international norms.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Bahrain's rejection of forced Palestinian displacement, which is a violation of international laws and norms; the demand for a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; and establishing an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.
The Foreign Minister and his Hungarian counterpart discussed the regional situation's impact on peace and security and the need to combat terrorism and extremist organisations and protect international navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait for trade freedom and global food supplies.
On his part, Szijjártó welcomed the Foreign Minister's visit to Hungary for the Joint Economic Committee meeting, highlighting the ongoing development of relations between the two countries and their positive outcome.
