Bahrain, Turkmenistan enhance cooperation

Ashgabat, July 9 (BNA): The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov received the Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary for international Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. This came following the second meeting for political consultations between Bahrain and Turkmenistan in Ashgabat on July 7-8. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of the Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa to Minister Meredov. He pointed out that the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Turkmenistan in March 2019 and the visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to Bahrain in February 2011 reflected the desire to establish a strong bilateral partnership , highlighting the signing of 14 MoUs and protocols of cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields. The undersecretary referred to different investment opportunities in the Kingdom, considering it a regional center for banks and entrepreneurship, as well as the main gateway to trade with the gulf region. He also acknowledged the pioneering role of the 2030 Bahrain Economic Vision in diversifying sources of income, attracting projects on technical and financial technology, implementing sustainable developmental programs in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, pointing out that Turkmenistan has enormous natural wealth and ranks fourth in the world in the gas reserves. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah expressed his great relief regarding the development of cooperation in all fields, especially that the activation of bilateral agreements and MoUs that have been signed will further expand the level of relations. He also noted in this regard the Royal Decree 48/2019, on establishing and forming a committee to follow up the implementation of bilateral agreements and MoUs signed under the chairmanship of His Highness, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa. He declared that Bahrain supports the model of positive neutrality adopted by Turkmenistan based on the noble principles of the UN for preserving international peace and security, and stressed that the two countries play a pivotal global role in spreading peaceful coexistence. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah also called upon all countries that desire peace, to work together in order to face common challenges, especially in combating terrorism, and stressed the need for joint international efforts to stop Iranian acts which threaten international peace and security. Tthe Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, expressed his country's keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Kingdom, expressing his happiness in holding the second meeting of the political consultations between the two countries, wishing Bahrain further prosperity and progress.