King Hamad's Swiss visit 'a grand success'

Bern : The Swiss Confederation yesterday hailed His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit as a grand success, stating that the Royal visit would broaden its economic and trade cooperation with Bahrain.

In a media release following HM King’s meeting with President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, at Lohn Manor on Thursday, Switzerland said that bilateral ties will be broadened in a number of areas”.

The two sides also discussed relations between the two countries, which have intensified following the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on holding political consultations in November 2014, the release said. 

“Schneider-Ammann provided his guest with an insight into the country’s society, values, culture and diversity. The talks covered cooperation in international organisations, strengthening of economic and trade relations – particularly in light of the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and the Gulf Cooperation Council –, the situation in Syria and Yemen, and Switzerland’s contribution towards peace and stability in the region,” it stated.

During the visit, a number of agreements were signed, including a double taxation convention between the two countries. Two aide-mémoires on human rights were also signed.

Earlier, FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. A number of agreements were signed following the conclusion of technical discussions.