Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for International Affairs chairs 4th meeting of Follow-up Committee of Partnership Programme between Bahrain and NATO

Manama, Nov. 3 (BNA): Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, chaired the fourth meeting of the Committee for the Follow-up of the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme between the Kingdom of Bahrain and NATO, which was held at the Ministry’s General Court today. The meeting was held in the presence of representatives of the national authorities participating in the programme and Director of European and European Union Affairs, Shaikha Aisha bint Ahmed Bin Saqr Al Khalifa. The Undersecretary for International Affairs commended cooperation of participants in the programme and their efforts aimed at developing knowledge, technical and training capabilities, and exchanging expertise in related fields. He stressed in this regard the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness on strengthening relations with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) within the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, joined by the Kingdom in 2004. He also praised the great efforts made by the alliance in maintaining international peace and security and combating old and new threats. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa indicated that cooperation with NATO has many aspects, including political and diplomatic cooperation, exchange of expertise in the areas of defence and security, and cooperation in facing emerging challenges. He underscored the importance of building capabilities and skills as well as exploring new paths and visions within an effective and sustainable security partnership. The meeting also reviewed individual partnership and cooperation programme between Bahrain and NATO, and set mechanisms and strategies aimed at strengthening qualitative partnership between the two sides.