Foreign Minister holds virtual meeting with Bahraini ambassadors

Manama, Apr. 8(BNA): Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held today a virtual meeting with a number of Bahraini ambassadors accredited to Arab and foreign countries. The meeting highlighted the efforts exerted by Bahraini diplomatic missions and consulates to follow up on the affairs of Bahraini citizens residing abroad, in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The minister conveyed to the ambassadors the utmost thanks and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their diplomatic efforts abroad to provide full care to Bahraini citizens abroad in order to ensure their safety under the current circumstances. He praised the diplomatic missions for handling the evacuation of citizens and facilitating their return to Kingdom, thus confirming the leadership's keenness the repatriation of all Bahraini citizens abroad, taking into account the precautionary measures adopted by health authorities, including medical screening, quarantine and the provision of necessary medical treatment. He stressed the importance of adhering to the procedures of preventive evacuation plans, coordinating with officials and specialists in the ministry and the competent authorities, taking all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of evacuation plans . The minister highlighted Bahrain’s success in containing spread of coronavirus, commending the efforts and cooperation of all the competent authorities and community partnerships to face this great challenge. He also stressed the importance of constantly communicating with Bahraini citizens abroad, providing them with all forms of support and assistance and reassuring them of the safety of the public health situation in the country thanks to the measures and precautions taken by the Government. The ambassadors briefed the minister about the measures taken by the Bahraini diplomatic missions abroad to communicate with Bahraini citizens and students in those countries, highlighting their efforts to provide the necessary support and assistance to meet the requirements in the current circumstances, and the arrangements that they have taken, in coordination with the competent authorities, to facilitate the evacuation of those wishing to return to the Kingdom. The minister signed an edict establishing a council, which will monitor the progress of work and performance and develop general policies and executive plans. He said that the new panel would contribute to decision-making and dealing with issues, developments and follow up on the evaluation of political and security situation as well as regional and international diplomacy.