Foreign Minister praises strong ties with Egypt, NATO, Japan

Manama, Dec. 10 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, expressed his appreciation for the strong brotherly ties with the Arab Republic of Egypt and its continued, comprehensive and outstanding progress. This came at a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, on the sidelines of the 12th session of the Manama Dialogue, where they reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and the means of developing these ties at all levels as well as regional and international developments. Shaikh Khalid also met with Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonz?lez, the Assistant Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for Political Affairs and Security Policy. The minister welcomed Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonz?lez on his first visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, wishing him success in carrying out his duties and working on developing cooperation and coordination to face challenges in the region in view of regional and international developments and the many dangers threatening international security and peace. He added that at the forefront of this is the phenomenon of terrorism, extremism and violence, which require the continuation of political consultations and constructive cooperation among all. Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonz?lez affirmed his appreciation for the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain to cooperate with NATO, stating that he looked forward for further cooperation between the two sides to achieve joint interests, wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity. During a meeting with the Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kentaro Sonoura, Shaikh Khalid reviewed the progress of friendly ties and the means of developing relations in all fields. The Minister noted that there were components for the betterment of the joint cooperation, stressing the importance of communication between the two countries on various regional and international issues. Mr Sonoura expressed his country’s appreciation for the deep-rooted friendly ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirming the keenness to bolster relations at all levels for the benefit of the two countries and their people. (MOFA)