Bahrain is keen on its ties with Russia, says Premier

Citing Russia’s proximity to the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) and its status as an international power, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has reiterated Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening cooperation ties with Russia.

Commenting on Russia’s “positive” role in combating terrorism, Prince Khalifa lauded the stances of Russia towards the efforts to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.

Prince Khalifa made the statements while receiving at his Palace in Riffa yesterday Victor Zubcov, the Special Representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin for Cooperation with Gas Exporting Countries Forum, and Chairman of the Gazprom Board of Directors.

During the meeting, HRH Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the visit in developing bilateral cooperation and opening up new horizons for joint relations to meet the aspirations of the two countries.

“Bahrain is developing its relations with Russia according to a strategic vision, and is keen on bolstering cooperation with it in the economic, trade and energy fields to meet the aspirations of the people,” Prince Khalifa remarked. HRH Premier called for the need to intensify visits of senior officials from the two countries to open new horizons of bilateral cooperation.

“The challenges the global economy is currently going through require more coordination and understanding among countries to reach a new formula of economic cooperation. It’s to protect them from economic downturns and maintain their comprehensive development efforts,” HRH Premier pointed out.

Zubcov also lauded Prince Khalifa’s interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation. He commended the Premier’s visions towards all regional and international issues.

He voiced admiration for the Premier’s visions and ideas on ways to strengthen joint economic and investment cooperation in all sectors, especially oil and gas.

Zubcov reiterating Russia’s keenness on broadening areas of cooperation with the Kingdom, being a major partner in the region with whom Russia shares a great understanding on many political, economic and trade fields.