HM King, Hungarian president hold talks

Budapest, Apr.23 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today held a session of talks with Hungarian President János Áder on bolstering joint cooperation in all fields, focusing also on regional and international developments of mutual interest. HM the King thanked President Áder for the warm welcome and kind hospitality, lauding good bilateral relations binding the two friendly countries and peoples. The two leaders stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and expanding joint cooperation which would contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals, particularly in the environmental, economic and investment sectors. HM the King commended the role played by President Áder in supporting sustainability, stressing the dire need to take concrete and efficient steps to tackle climate change and the water challenge facing the world. He congratulated him on his appointment in the high-level UN team on water, hailing his dedicated efforts to ensure the issue of climate change features on regional and international agendas. He outlined Bahrain’s steps to achieved the SDGs, pointing out that 78% of the objectives have been incorporated in the Government Action Plan (GAP). He highlighted the role of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) and the National Climate Change Joint Committee. HM the King said that Bahrain is signatory of the Paris Climate Agreement, submitting proposals and initiatives to the agreement secretariat on reducing climate change in the world. HM the King and President Áder called for the joint economic committee to meet soon and activate the memorandum of understanding which was signed between the two countries on promoting economic and technical cooperation. They stressed the need for more consultation and coordination between competent authorities to benefit from their successful practices with respect to sustainable development, and required policies to balance climate change obligations with sustainable economical and social development needs and consolidate environmental policies. The meeting was attended by HM the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Royal Court Follow-up Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatallah Al-Khalifa and Bahraini Ambassador to Hungary Abdulla Abdullatif.