Foreign Minister receives Indian counterpart
Manama, Jul. 7 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the historical ties between Bahrain and India, supported by mutual respect and constructive cooperation. He commended the continued growth of bilateral ties and reaffirmed both countries' commitment to expanding cooperation through the Joint Ministerial Committee and the implementation of existing agreements.
Dr. Al Zayani also expressed Bahrain's appreciation for India's solidarity with the Kingdom and its condemnation of the recent Iranian attacks against Bahrain. He commended India's support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He praised the Indian community's valuable contribution to Bahrain's development.
For his part, Dr. Jaishankar commended the close ties between the two countries and highlighted opportunities to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors.
The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, investment, and development domains, including efforts to advance existing agreements and memoranda of understanding and to strengthen the work of the Joint Ministerial Committee.
The two sides also discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in the region, including the ongoing United States-Iran negotiations. They underscored the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation without fees, restrictions, or special arrangements, while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies, food, and global trade.
The ministers also exchanged views on enhancing diplomatic coordination in international forums, including during Bahrain's non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, in support of international peace and security.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Mohammed Rashid Al Suwaidi, Acting Chief of the Asia and Pacific Affairs Sector; Ambassador Dr. Arwa Hassan Al Sayed Chief of Human Rights Affairs Sector; Ali Khalid Al Arifi, Chief of Al Madar Centre; and Ambassador Vinod Jacob of India to Bahrain.
