Premier receives Russian Trade Minister

Manama, Feb. 21 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa stressed the positive impact of rapprochement between Russia and influential countries in international decision. He affirmed that sound relations between Russia and key economic players, like the GCC member states, will have a positive effect on security, stability and economic development. HRH the Premier was speaking as he received at Riffa Palace today Russian Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov and his accompanying delegation. He described saving the peace process as a prerequisite for a comprehensive development in the region, pointing out the need to speed up implementation of economic agreements between Bahrain and Russia which were concluded through the joint cooperation committee. HRH the Prime Minister voiced Bahrain's keenness on boosting tourism between Bahrain and Russia and availing of direct flights between Manama and Moscow to further promote bilateral cooperation in various fields. He underscored the importance of accelerating the activation of joint agreements pertaining mainly to security, military and economic cooperation. HRH the Premier expressed hope the first meeting of the Russian government committee for trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation would usher in a new phase of cooperation between both countries, wishing the meeting every success in attaining set up goals. He lauded perpetual growth of the Bahraini-Russian relations, praising both countries' keenness to set a strong and effective model of bilateral cooperation. HRH the Prime Minister underlined the key role of Russia in boosting regional security and stability given its international political and economic weight. He hailed the political and economic policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he is looking forward to a visit by the Russian President to the countries in the region. HRH the Premier emphasised the importance of exchanging visits between officials and businessmen from the two friendly countries, calling on investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities in both countries. The Russian delegation briefed HRH the Prime Minister about their regional and international activities to narrow the gap between cultures and religions. HRH the Premier underlined Bahrain's keenness to back all initiatives aimed at promoting inter-cultural and religious dialogue. On his part, the Russian Minister of Trade and Industry thanked HRH the Premier for his support to all efforts aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation, stressing his country's keenness to further cement ties with Bahrain in various political, economic and commercial fields. He also voiced Russia's interest in activating bilateral agreements, lauding Bahrain's development at all levels.