Bahrain King calls for economic grouping
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa urged to increase trade between Arab and South American countries, as it would contribute to the flow of trade and investment among them. Speaking at the fourth Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) here, HM the King remarked that such a cooperation would also lead to the emergence of a strong economic grouping with huge potential and great elements for international competition.
“The opportunity to establish this economic bloc is at hand, in light of the strong economic relations between our countries, particularly the rising trade levels between many Arab and South American countries.
This in addition to the large opportunities available in a variety of sectors including industry, agriculture, energy, tourism, financial services, training, education and other sectors,” HM the King remarked.
HM the King, in his speech, said the complex conflicts and worsening crises plaguing the Arab world were caused by external interference in the internal affairs of the Arab countries.
“The serious effects and negative repercussions of this interference were expanding and affecting various countries across the world, directly harming international peace and security. They require greater efforts and closer cooperation efforts to be confronted and resolved,” HM the King said.
“What is occurring in the occupied Palestinian territories, the attacks, and continued aggression by the Israeli occupation authorities necessitate more action to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Adequate protection must be provided to the Palestinian people, and to preserve the religious sites in the city of Quds, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, to end the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories, stop the settlement activities and to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Quds as its capital according to the fourth of June 1967 border and in accordance with the legitimate international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.
HM the King explained: “In regards to the situation in Yemen, it is moving steadily towards achieving the aspirations of the Yemeni people. The Arab coalition, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will not give up on defending legitimacy in Yemen. The coalition will continue its role until the restoration of security and stability in Yemen is achieved."
HM King Hamad commented, “We also emphasise the right of the United Arab Emirates to restore its sovereignty over the three islands occupied by Iran. We support all efforts that safeguard the freedom of our brothers in Syria and Libya to choose their future through building independent political systems to maintain the unity and independence of their countries, and to protect their territories from terrorism and extremism.”
“We see the importance of expanding our official meetings into a forum commensurate with the size of the historical and cultural commonalities among us, to include all political, economic, cultural and social aspects,” HM the King added.
Photo Caption:
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa (R) speaks in the presence of (R to L) Jordanian King Abdullah II, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Venezuelian President Nicolas Maduro yesterday in Riyadh
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