Premier’s keenness on GCC-Asian cooperation in focus

Manama, Oct. 12 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa’s participation in the 2nd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit came under the spotlight. The Premier attended the three-day continental forum in Bangkok, Thailand, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The value-added participation reflected the Premier’s dedicated efforts to strengthen Bahraini-Thai relations and bolster GCC-Asian cooperation towards building more strategic alliances and consolidating their political and economic leverage on the regional and international arenas. The Premier’s attendance also reiterates Bahrain’s firm stances and keenness on bolstering relations with all countries in the world, particularly pivotal Asian states which expanded their clout and aspire to play an influential role in all political and economic arenas. The Premier affirmed Bahrain’s visions and stances regarding interstate relations based on mutual respect, joint interests and the categorical rejection of policies which infringe upon countries’ sovereignty and stability and interfere blatantly in their internal affairs. Asian leaders and media have also commended the Premier’s initiatives and statements which reflect Bahrain’s regional and international standing. The focus was particularly on the Premier’s warning against the enactment of Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA). He warned that such controversial JASTA-like legislations would undermine sovereignty and immunity of states and plunge them in the cauldron of chaos. He stressed the need of strengthening co-operation to safeguard the security and stability of countries, hence the importance of building a strong economy that supports comprehensive development. In his keynote address, the Premier reiterated his firm stance, defending countries’ security and stability and rejecting any blatant attempt to subvert their national sovereignty or interfere in their internal affairs. The Premier affirmed in his address at the 2nd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit Bahrain’s dedicated efforts to build constructive and balanced relations with all countries in the world. The Premier took the initiative and contributed to the reinstatement of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Thailand on the sidelines of the 2nd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit. The Premier showed great keenness to add more momentum to the relations binding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Asian countries, attending the meeting which brought together Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubair, who agreed to strengthen relations intensify exchanged visits between the two countries so as to further joint vital interests. The Thai Premier and the Saudi Foreign Minister paid tribute to the Premier, commending his initiative to achieve rapprochement and contribute to reinstating relations between their countries. The Saudi people have also saluted the reinstating of bilateral relations between Riyadh and Bangkok, commending in their cyber comments, the Premier’s statesmanship and wisdom which paved the way for stronger GCC-Asian relations. On the sidelines of 2nd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, the Premier also met the Amir of Kuwait His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The meeting reflected the Premier’s keenness on strengthening relations between the GCC countries so as to gain more leverage in dealing with mounting challenges confronting countries in the region. A delegation led by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism attended the economic functions which were held on the sidelines of the 2nd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, inspired by the Premier’s vision which aims to consolidate Bahrain’s presence at international arenas and build strong economic relations with other countries in the world.