Indonesia ties under spotlight

Jakarta : The first meeting of political consultation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Republic of Indonesia was held in Jakarta. The consultation was led by the Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Director General for Asia-Pacific and African Affairs of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Desra Percaya. Dr Shaikh Abdulla expressed his honour to visit Indonesia, and implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation between the two Foreign Ministries, signed in September 2015. 

He also affirmed that Bahrain is keen to strengthen cooperation relations with the great Islamic country in various fields, in a manner that benefits the two friendly countries and peoples. The meeting explored mutually beneficial opportunities, assessed pending matters, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest. Dr Shaikh Abdulla also showcased the common elements between Bahrain and Indonesia, which pave the way for a strong and extended partnership, especially that the archipelago site in both countries reflect the characteristics of openness, culture, trade movement and diversity. 

He also noted that two countries have important contributions through their membership in regional and international organisations, as the cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) creates an economic platform for interaction and growth with the world, as well as an additional cooperation within the framework of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue, that seeks to promote understanding and friendship between Asian countries. 

The Undersecretary reviewed the principles of the foreign policy of the Kingdom, which His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, implemented through international and humanitarian principles, and based on the values of pride, wisdom, brotherhood and interaction, with the aim to spread peace, security and stability. He also noted that this reflects the success of the Kingdom’s leadership in achieving comprehensive reform, sustainable development and qualitative initiatives.