HRH Premier receives Thai trade delegation

Manama, Oct. 28 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has stressed the importance of the Arabian Gulf region in the world trade, stressing that the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are a key element on the course of international trade, particularly Saudi Arabia, which, he said, enjoys both political weight and economic strength at the regional and global levels. HRH Premier pointed out that Bahrain seeks to strengthen its status as a key trade hub in the region, which has entitled it to be a gateway to East Asian countries, especially Thailand. The Premier stressed that security remains the demand of all those who seek development, affirming that stability makes energies geared towards nation-building efforts. The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving a Thai trade delegation representing 13 companies and seven business sectors, led by Minister of Commerce, Sontirat Sontijirawong, at the Gudaibiya Palace today. HRH Premier welcomed the Thai delegation’s visit, stressing the importance of such visits and meetings in providing opportunities to discuss ways to bolster bilateral ties in various fields. The Thai minister conveyed to HRH Premier greetings from his Thai counterpart, Prayut Chan-o-cha, as well as his wishes of further progress and prosperity to Bahrain. He also extended to HRH Premier an invitation from his Thai counterpart to visit Thailand. The Prime Minister requested the minister to convey his greetings to his Thai counterpart, and wishes of continuous progress and prosperity to the friendly Thai people. HRH Premier lauded the Bahraini-Thai Business Forum which is important for strengthening the distinguished relations between the two countries, and opening up new cooperation fields that would boost joint investments that benefit the two kingdoms and their friendly peoples. Relations between Bahrain and Thailand are solid, and are being further strengthened steadily, HRH Premier said, adding that exchanged visits and meetings between officials in the two countries strengthen these ties and contribute to reaching understandings and partnerships that would meet the common aspirations. The Prime Minister praised the progress witnessed by Thailand, hailing its development strides and efforts. HRH Premier pointed out that there are many promising opportunities that the two countries could benefit from to enhance their joint cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, investment, food security and air transportation. The Prime Minister praised the role played by the Thai expatriate community to support the development march in Bahrain, affirming that its members enjoy all kinds of respect and appreciation. The Thai Commerce Minister expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for his great interest in enhancing bilateral relations, hailing the steady progress of the Bahraini-Thai relations. He underlined his country’s keenness on broadening areas of cooperation with Bahrain. He emphasised his country's keenness to strengthen cooperation with Bahrain as the main gateway for developing cooperation with the GCC countries. He expressed appreciation to HRH Premier for his role in extending bridges of cooperation between Bahrain and ASEAN countries, including Thailand. He praised the interest and appreciation enjoyed by the Thai community in Bahrain, which, he said, reflects the nature of the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries.