HM the King, Turkish President hold talks; agreements signed

Manama : In an in-camera meeting, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday discussed strong bilateral relations, in addition to regional and international issues. The two leaders then co-chaired a session of official talks, in the presence of members of both delegations. 

Referring to HM the King’s phone call in the wake of the coup attempt, President Erdogan said, “The people and Government of Turkey will never forget this stance, which will remain engraved in our memory.” He also thanked Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, hailing his charismatic personality and political statesmanship in the region.

Erdogan called for the joint economic committee to convene during the last quarter of this year in Turkey to expand cooperation and boost the volume of trade exchanges. He invited HM the King to attend the energy conference to be held in Turkey in October. 

Meanwhile, addressing the joint session, HM the King said Bahrain welcomed the reinstatement of security and stability in Turkey. “The Kingdom of Bahrain firmly considers Turkey as a brother and ally,” HM the King said, adding that his visit will herald new horizons for joint work and boost deep-rooted relations. He also highlighted the common bonds linking the two countries, citing particularly Islamic culture, joint cultural heritage, exchanged visits and expertise for the sake of the two countries. 

During the session, the two sides backed regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and consolidate security and stability in the region. HM the King hailed the pivotal role of Turkey in supporting Arab and Islamic causes, besides their contribution to regional and global peace. Moreover, HM King Hamad and Erdogan attended the signing of a string of agreements. Earlier, an official reception was held in honour of HM the King, who was received by Erdogan, on his arrival in Ankara. HM the King also inspected the Guard of Honour. 

HM King Hamad was accompanied by an official delegation comprising Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa; HH Shaikh Nasser, Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa; Shaikh Hamad bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa; Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa; Royal Court Follow-up Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Attiyatallah Al Khalifa; Advisor of HM the King for Media Affairs Nabeel bin Yaqoub Al Hamer; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani;  and Information Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Ali Al Rumaihi, among others.