India-Bahrain High Joint Commission convenes

New Delhi, Feb22(BNA) The India-Bahrain High Joint Commission held its first meeting in New Delhi today (Sunday, February 22, 2015). The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa and India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The meeting came in the framework of implementing the joint statement issued after the official state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to the Republic of India in February 2014. The Minister of Foreign Affairs commended the development of bilateral relations reached by the two countries, noting with high appreciation the constructive role played by the Indian community in the Kingdom of Bahrain and stressing on the importance of the continuation of consultation and coordination between the two countries in various fields. . The two sides confirmed the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and Indian which were built on solid foundations of shared history, cultural communication, and economic ties founded on a clear methodology and a comprehensive strategy of bilateral relations; ensuring their increasing development in various fields, especially on the economic side. Both sides noted the remarkable growth of economic relations in light of the ongoing and sincere efforts of the leaderships of both countries to strengthen these relations which reflected positively on the achieving mutual interests of the peoples of the two countries. The meeting reviewed potential and various means to further enhance and prosper bilateral relations between the two countries, especially in the areas of education, trade, investment, security and defense cooperation, in addition to cooperation the in the media and telecommunications sectors, as well as issues relating to Indian labor in Bahrain. The two sides stressed the importance of continuing the constructive approach in promoting bilateral relations and based on continuous communication, the exchange of visits between the two sides and the continuation of regular consultations between the two countries through the existing mechanisms. The meeting also discussed a number of important political issues including the fight against terrorism and the importance of coordination and cooperation over a number of bilateral and regional issues. After the end of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting, the Indian External Affairs Minister hosted a dinner banquet in honor of the Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation. (MOFA).