Switzerland visit to open new horizons : Bahrain King

Bern : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has expressed hope that his visit to Switzerland would open up new horizons of joint cooperation, extend bridges of cultural and tourism interaction and develop bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Underlining the Bahrain’s special interest in developing its relations with Switzerland, HM King Hamad praised the effective role played by the private sector in boosting bilateral relations through launching joint investment ventures.   

During a joint meeting with the Swiss President, Johann Schneider -Ammann here yesterday, HM the King also lauded the important role played by the Swiss Confederation at the international level, praising its contributions to serving global security and peace. Then the two sides reviewed ways to progress bilateral relations, especially in the economic, trade, investment, scientific, cultural and tourism fields.

While reviewing the latest regional and international developments, HM the King reiterated the Kingdom’s support to the efforts exerted by the international community to reinforce security and peace across the world. “Bahrain is a successful role model for tolerance, co-existence and love among various religions, sects and cultures.” 

Meanwhile, praising the Reform Project in Bahrain, Schneider -Ammann commented: “We appreciate it and support it. It is a project that has achieved a lot to Bahrain.”

Earlier, during an official reception at the Palace of Lohn, HM the King was accorded a warm welcome by the Swiss President.

A slew of pacts

Later, HM the King and Schneider-Ammann attended the signing of a number agreements. The two countries initiated an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. It was signed by the Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and the Representative of the Swiss Finance Ministry, Pascal Duss.

A Memorandum of Cooperation on the Protection of the Rights Prisoners and Detainees was also signed by the Foreign Minister and Swiss State Secretary Yves Rossier. 

The two countries also signed Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of woman advancement and enhancement of women’s rights. It was signed by the Secretary General of the Bahraini Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala Al-Ansari, and the Swiss State Secretary Yves Rossier.