Council of Representatives, European Parliament hold joint meeting
Manama, Sep. 21 (BNA): The Council of Representatives and the European Parliament held a joint meeting, chaired by MP Hassan Eid Bukhamas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, and Reinhold Lopatka, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula.
The meeting discussed developing cooperation mechanisms and moving towards practical and sustainable partnerships, strengthening capabilities in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure protection, as well as opportunities for joint investment, renewable energy and food security.
MP Bukhamas highlighted the importance Bahrain places, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on ties with the European Parliament and the European Union, noting that parliamentary dialogue provides a direct channel for strengthening partnership in development, legislation and parliamentary diplomacy.
He highlighted the role of parliamentarians in maintaining security and stability, ensuring the movement of trade and freedom of international navigation through waterways, and the need to uphold the rules of international law and the law of the sea.
The meeting also discussed exempting Bahraini citizens from Schengen visa requirements, supporting and developing growing political, economic and cultural relations, and the shared interest in strengthening the investment and tourism environment between Bahrain and the European Union member states.
The European Parliament delegation expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s approach based on moderation, openness, tolerance and peace, its support for efforts to enhance security and establish regional and international peace, its condemnation of the Iranian attacks, respect for the rules of international law, and its commitment to ensuring freedom of trade and navigation in the region, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
The delegation also commended the notable development taking place in Bahrain across various domains, particularly human rights, women, youth and children, noting that these developments contribute to strengthening European-Bahraini parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.
