Foreign Minister meets European Council President

Brussels, Feb. 10 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, met today at the European Council headquarters, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, as part of the Foreign Minister’s visit to Brussels. The Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as his appreciation for the distinct friendship Bahrain shares with the European Union. He also expressed Bahrain's interest in promoting various aspects of cooperation and continuing to communicate with the European Union in all fields, and its desire to invest the available opportunities in order to achieve more growth and development of common interests, lauding the distinguished efforts made by the European Council in facing various regional and international challenges and crises, and its contributions to settling international disputes by peaceful means, and to providing support and aid to countries in need. European Council President welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, noting the recent phone conversation between him and His Majesty the King, praising the great interest shown by His Majesty to promote the values of coexistence and tolerance among different religions and beliefs, and fostering a culture of peace, understanding and brotherhood among the people of the world. He also stressed the importance of developing cooperation and promoting relations between Bahrain and the European Union in various fields in order to serve their common interests, and the need to continue coordination and exchange of visits and experiences between the two sides to discuss various issues of common interest, in addition to studying opportunities for promoting bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the developments of the political and security situation in the region, and discussed a number of current regional and international issues, as well as efforts aimed at achieving regional and international security, stability and peace. The meeting was also attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Belgium, who is also accredited to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Kingdom of Denmark, and Representative to the European Union and NATO, Dr. Bahia Jawad Al-Jishi.