Deputy Prime Minister receives Indian External Affairs Minister

Manama, Jul. 7 (BNA): Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, received Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, who is visiting the Kingdom.

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, was present.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah affirmed the historical ties between Bahrain and India, highlighting the strategic partnership and close cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of continuing to expand bilateral cooperation in line with shared aspirations and in support of the interests and development of both countries and peoples.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended India's role on the international stage and reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation and coordination across various fields.  He also expressed appreciation for India's position and solidarity with Bahrain in the wake of the criminal Iranian attacks, as well as its support for the Kingdom in all the measures and actions it has taken to safeguard its sovereignty and preserve its security and stability.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah commended the advanced level and continued growth of economic ties between the two countries, calling for these ties to be leveraged to explore new opportunities that contribute to diversifying trade and investment, while expanding the partnership to include promising sectors such as industry, financial and logistics services, the digital economy, as well as food security initiatives and emerging technologies.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the high regard and respect enjoyed by the Indian community in Bahrain, reflecting the Kingdom's character, which is founded on the values of coexistence, religious tolerance and cultural openness as key pillars of its national identity.  He praised the contributions of the Indian community and its active role in supporting the Kingdom's ongoing modernisation and development across various sectors.

For his part, Dr. Jaishankar expressed appreciation to the Kingdom for its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.  He affirmed that India shares the Kingdom's desire to further expand cooperation and joint coordination across various domains, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.