Speaker: Security, economy, war on terror top Asian priorities

Jakarta, Mar. 31 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla. has asserted that the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), serious endeavours to combat and confront terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations, and interest in bolstering economic cooperation and investment are given priority by Asian countries. To achieve these goals, all Asian countries are required to act collectively, seriously and with a common vision and solidarity, Al-Mulla stressed. The speaker pointed out to the need to constantly strengthen cooperation between Bahrain's Council of Representatives and Asian parliaments, in general, and the Indonesian Parliament, in particular, to consolidate mutual understanding, increase joint cooperation and bolster friendship ties at all levels and in all fields. Al-Mulla made the statements during talks held here today at the Presidential Palace with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who received him, alongside the members of the visiting Bahraini parliamentary delegation. The Bahraini delegation said that the visit to Indonesia affirms friendship with the Indonesian Parliament, and provides an opportunity to enhance parliamentary, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries amid the political and economic changes the world is currently going through. The delegation commended the contributions of the Indonesian expatriate community to the development march in Bahrain, praising the key role played by the Indonesian Embassy to Manama in strengthening the distinguished bilateral relations. The delegation extended thanks and gratitude to President Joko Widodo for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to Bahraini MPs. Indonesian President stressed the great role played by Bahraini Parliamentary diplomacy in bolstering ties with his country, highlighting Bahrain's progress and real achievement under the Reform Project spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also lauded the depth of the long-standing relations between Bahrain and his country in the diplomatic, parliamentary, political and economic fields, as well as the labour and investment ones, wishing bilateral relations further progress. On the sidelines of the Bahraini parliamentary visit to Indonesia (March 29-31), Bahrain's Council of Representatives and Indonesia's People's Representative Council signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU will strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two friendly countries, Speaker Al-Mulla said.