‘Lifting of sanctions not to affect Iranian boycott’

The current deteriorating relations between Bahrain, GCC countries and Iran are not likely to get affected by the recently announced lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic by the United State, a senior official declared yesterday.

“We’re supporting the step and the nuclear deal signed with Iran by several countries, as long as it serves strengthening regional security,” Parliament and Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi told DT News yesterday.

Speaking during the post-Cabinet meeting press conference at Gudaibiya Palace, the minister explained: “The deal obliges the Iranian part of not exploiting the nuclear technology in non-peaceful purposes and we support that, especially if it prevents Iran from middling into the internal affairs of regional countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, which suffered plenty from such interventions and took the necessary measures to deal with them properly.”

“We’re not concerned with the US-Iranian relations. They have their own foreign affairs policies and they’re working accordingly to that. Our relations with the United States are long-established and we maintain strategic ties with it. Additionally, there are continuous efforts to further improve these relations not only with the Kingdom but also with the GCC countries as one,” Al Hammadi said.

However, in reply to a question about if Bahrain and GCC countries are intending to take measures to shrink the existing gap of diplomatic ties with Iran, the minister told DT News that “no such decisions have been discussed or taken”, adding that “it will be announced, in case any changes happen.”

According to a statement made by Cabinet Secretary-General Dr Yaser bin Essa Al Nasser following the session, the Cabinet extended a warm welcome to the Kingdom’s visitors who will be attending the upcoming Bahrain International Air Show 2016.

The Cabinet also instructed the relevant ministries and state departments to ensure the air show and its associated events are conducted efficiently and effectively, in cooperation with the BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, Dr Yaser said.