Bahrain, US discuss cooperation in climate, environment fields

Manama, Mar. 12 (BNA): Special Envoy for Climate Affairs and Chief Executive Officer of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), Dr. Mohammed bin Daina, held a phone-call with the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. During the call, the two sides reviewed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two friendly countries in the climate field, as well as the international efforts aimed at reducing the effects of climate change, as part of the ongoing preparations for the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They also discussed climate change-related opportunities and challenges, in addition to alternative energy options. Dr. Bin Daina lauded the US return to the Paris Climate Agreement, and the tremendous efforts it is exerting to step up international preparations for UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Scotland, affirming Bahrain’s keenness to increase cooperation and exchange of expertise and information in the field of climate and environment protection in order to achieve sustainable development goals. Dr. Bin Daina called for providing developing countries with the financial support and transferring technology to them so as to continue their climate change-related work. John Kerry requested Dr. Bin Daina to convey his greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He affirmed that Bahrain is a strategic ally to the US, expressing pride in the solid level of relations between two countries, and stressing keenness to increase cooperation in the field of climate and environment.