HM King holds discussion session with Cypriot President

Manama, Sept. 13 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Gudaibiyah Palace today Cypriot President, Nicos Anastasiades, and his accompanying delegation. Upon arrival, the official reception protocols were held for the Cypriot President and the Cypriot and Bahraini national anthems were played. Then, the Cypriot President welcomed the Bahraini delegation and HM the King welcomed the delegation accompanying the President of Cyprus. After that, HM the King held a discussion session with the Cypriot President, in the presence of members of the two delegations. HM the King welcomed the Cypriot President and discussed with him ways of boosting bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. HM the King underlined the importance of the Cypriot President’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain in fostering partnership in light of the promising investment opportunities existing in both countries. HM the King and the Cypriot President exchanged views on regional and international developments and issues of common interest. The President of Cyprus expressed happiness about visiting the kingdom and thanked HM the King for the gracious welcome and hospitality. He also expressed appreciation of HM the King’s efforts to promote historical relations of friendship and cooperation with his country. He commended HM the King’s humanitarian initiatives to boost coexistence and tolerance between different cultures, stressing Cyprus’ keenness to promote relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain at all levels. In the presence of HM the King and the Cypriot President, an agreement was signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Cyprus concerning exemption from the visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports to enable citizens from both countries holding those passports to enter or exit the territories of both countries, transit and reside without a visa. The agreement was signed by Foreign Ministers, HE Dr. Abdellatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and HE Nikos Christodoulides. Both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on economic and technical cooperation. It was signed by Bahraini Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, HE Natasa Pilides. HM the King and the Cypriot President hailed signing the two agreements, expressing hope they will contribute to developing joint cooperation between both countries. HM the King held a lunch banquet in honour of the Cypriot President and his accompanying delegation.