Undersecretary receives US official

Manama, Jan.26 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa at the Ministry’s General Court today with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions at the U.S Department of State David Peyman. He welcomed Peyman, expressing his pride for the deep-rooted relations and partnerships between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America which are based on the principals of cooperation in various fields. He added that such relations are also a pillar for regional security, peace and prosperity in the region and across the world. He also underlined that the strategic alliance between the two friendly countries is undergoing a development in joint coordination at all levels. The Undersecretary for International Affairs reviewed the main developments in the Arabian Gulf and the efforts being exerted to maintain regional stability, stressing the importance of building capabilities and skills and exchanging ideas and visions on the best ways to strengthen measures to combat terrorism and prevent its sources of financing. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa appreciated the great steps taken by the United States of America to combat terrorism, stressing that the Kingdom of Bahrain stands in line with efforts to address terrorism in all its manifestations and forms, in a way that promotes peace and stability. He affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, is an active and reliable partner and important ally in the region, adding that the Kingdom believes in the importance of adhering to international laws and agreements. He underlined that the Kingdom of Bahrain succeeded in presenting an ideal model for combating extremism and terrorism through a comprehensive vision that includes renewed reform, sustainable development, and civilized coexistence, noting the pioneering royal initiatives in supporting freedoms and spreading tolerance among various cultures. He also welcomed the results of the periodic meetings of the “Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA)" on enhancing collective cooperation in combating terrorism and its financing in addition to promoting the prosperity of the region. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa called for concerted international efforts to discipline those responsible for sponsoring and supporting terrorism, finance it and provide safe havens for terrorist groups and threaten international peace and security, reviewing in this regard the role and actions of “the National Committee for Follow-up of the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to all UN Security Council resolutions” and the workshop it organized last September on “safeguard non-profit sector from terrorist abuse”, in cooperation with the Policy Committee for Prohibiting and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. For his part, Peyman hailed the friendly and cooperation relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, which are constantly developing at all levels. He also commended the Kingdom’s efforts in countering terrorism and maintaining regional peace and security, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.