Turkmenistan relations follow-up committee holds second virtual meeting

Manama, July 15 (BNA): The Follow up Committee for the Implementation of Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding signed between Bahrain and Turkmenistan held its second virtual meeting. The meeting was chaired by His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for the Environment, with the participation of committee members from the relevant ministries and government institutions. HH Shaikh Faisal praised the distinguished Bahraini-Turkmen relations and their progress across various fields thanks to the steady interest of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries. HH Shaikh Faisal thanked the committee members of the committee for their efforts to enhance cooperation with Turkmenistan at all levels as directed by HM the King and in line with the high-level political relations between the two leaders following HM King Hamad's visit to Ashgabat in March 2019 that constituted a major qualitative shift in bilateral relations. HH Shaikh Faisal reviewed the ongoing discussions and contacts between the two countries, noting the importance of activating the Memorandum of Understanding for economic, commercial and technical cooperation that stipulates the establishment of a Bahraini Turkmen economic committee. The committee approved the names of the Bahraini members in the joint committee, in preparation for a meeting between the two sides in the near future. HH Shaikh Faisal expressed his aspiration for holding the third meeting of political consultations between the two countries soon based on its significance in investing in the joint opportunities available. He noted in this regard the positive results of the recent online meeting between Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, saying it constitutes a new platform for developing bilateral cooperation. HH Shaikh Faisal stressed that Bahrain is looking forward to a solid and growing partnership with Turkmenistan. The two countries have numerous components and advantages that should be invested and built upon, especially in the fields of energy and gas, petrochemicals, food, tourism, youth and sports, and links between ports, he said. In addition, the Kingdom has leadership in the new economic fields based on technical and financial technology and logistical services, as well as public health services. HH Shaikh Faisal stressed the importance of activating the signed bilateral agreements and opening new horizons for cooperation, based on the principles and programs of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.