Bahrain-Kuwait Joint Committee holds meeting

Manama, Apr.24 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, met with Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa welcomed Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, stressing that the historic brotherly and prosperous relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait are based on the solid foundations of respect, appreciation, cordiality, and their common destiny, and are of a top priority for the two brotherly countries thus pushing the various aspects of bilateral cooperation towards wider horizons. For his part, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah expressed his pride in the brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait, stressing that these relations have been and will remain a model for brotherly relations in various fields. In a related context, the tenth session of the Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait was held today in Manama. The meeting was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait is based on deep ties of cordiality and understanding established by our ancestors. These relations are deeply rooted in the history of the two countries and have had their moments in which we take pride as they reflect the sincere brotherly love. He also noted that one of the constant features that characterizes the close relations between the two countries is the constant brotherly communication between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Emir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and their keenness to develop relations in all fields in order to reach the highest degree of coordination and cooperation for the well-being of both countries and peoples. The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Kuwait's position towards the Kingdom of Bahrain will always be present in the national memory of Bahrain because it reflects the solidity of the relations between the two countries and their special nature. He reiterated his sincere thanks to the State of Kuwait for its continuous support to the Kingdom of Bahrain especially its support for the Fiscal Balance Program implemented by the Kingdom, as an embodiment of their common destiny and strength of the brotherly ties. The Minister of Foreign Affairs hailed the pioneering development role played by the State of Kuwait at the regional and international levels and its continuous initiatives, which serve as a role model for fruitful teamwork and joint constructive cooperation that benefits everyone. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa expressed his aspiration to study and approve the best ways to support the fruitful joint cooperation process in all sectors and to sign a number of memorandums of understanding and executive programs including customs, e-commerce, agriculture and marine resources, culture and arts, environment protection and a memorandum of understanding between Bahrain News Agency and Kuwait News Agency. He welcomed the signing of the important memorandum of understanding between the chambers of commerce and industry in the two countries, reflecting the common belief in the role of the private sector in enhancing the brotherly relations between us. For his part, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah stressed the common desire to advance the strong historical relations between the two countries under the wise guidance of the leaders of the two countries, praising His Majesty's wisdom and vision on issues related to regional stability and the blessed march of the GCC which is highly appreciated by the State of Kuwait, noting the development witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain in the auspicious era of his Majesty's comprehensive development in various fields. Mr. Sameer Abdulla Nass, Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Sayer Bader Al-Sayer, member of the Board of Directors of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about the joint cooperation between the private sector in both countries in various fields and the importance of continuous cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry in promoting bilateral relations at various levels, In light of enormous opportunities and possibilities available to further the relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait, which will contribute to the promotion of common interests and meet the aspirations of both brotherly countries and peoples. The meeting issued a joint statement, which reads as follows: In the implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Emir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and their keenness to develop and enhance coordination, cooperation and consultation to achieve the common interests of the two countries and their peoples. Based on the historical and close ties and the common objectives between the two countries, and in the light of the joint efforts to enhance the bilateral relations. And in compliance with the common principles and objectives of the GCC for supporting relations between its countries and implementing the agreement for the establishment of the Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait. The Joint Higher Committee for Cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait conveyed its tenth session in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 23-24 April 2019. Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affaris, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, with the participation of senior officials from both countries. The two sides reviewed all aspects of cooperation and strong bilateral relations in various fields and expressed their satisfaction with the positive results of the Joint High Committee in order to achieve the supreme directives of the leaders of both countries to serve and obtain more cooperation, integration and common interests. The two sides stressed their keenness to continue to strengthen and develop their bilateral relations in various fields and to take practical steps that contribute in strengthening and enhancing them. In this context, the Bahraini side expressed its great appreciation for the Kuwaiti role in supporting the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in many sectors, reflecting the depth and excellence of brotherly relations. Emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation and activating it between the two brotherly countries, the two sides signed a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding, as follows: 1. Memorandum of Understanding in Customs Matters between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the State of Kuwait. 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Bahrain News Agency and the Kuwait News Agency. 3. Memorandum of Understanding in the field of electronic commerce between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of State of Kuwait. 4. An executive program in the fields of agriculture and marine wealth between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the State of Kuwait for the years 2019-2021. 5. An executive program in the fields of culture and arts between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the State of Kuwait for the years 2019-2021. 6. An executive program in the field of environment protection for the years 2019-2021. The minutes of the meeting, which included means of enhancing and developing cooperation between the two brotherly countries in a number of important fields, were also signed. The two sides welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two chambers of commerce and industry in the two brotherly countries, which contribute to enhancing cooperation, coordination and exchange of experience in the private sector and the strengthening of trade exchange between the two countries. The two sides also affirmed their keenness on working together to activate what has been signed and expressed their desire to develop their deep-rooted relations in all fields, namely political, economic, investment, commercial, cultural and arts fields. They two sides also expressed their desire to sign new agreements, memorandums and executive programs in the coming period, in addition to planning new mechanisms to implement their contents, further reflecting their desire to bolster cooperation. The two sides also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation amongst them. At the conclusion of the committee, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Shaikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah expressed his gratitude and appreciation for his brother and counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa for his hospitality and warm welcomes. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait has extended an invitation the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and members of the Committee from the Bahraini side to visit the State of Kuwait next year to hold the next session of the Committee.