Bahrain call to strengthen joint Arab economic cooperation

Agencies | Jeddah                                                              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa expressed Bahrain’s pride in its strong and fruitful cooperation with the Arab League, stressing the kingdom’s keenness to consolidate joint Arab action, as the best means to achieve more progress and prosperity for Arab people.

He led yesterday the kingdom’s delegation to meeting of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council at the ministerial level, ahead of the 32nd Arab Summit, set be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Shaikh Salman highlighted the comprehensive development approach adopted by Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

In this regard, he stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the goals of joint Arab action and advancing sustainable economic and social development paths towards more comprehensive levels for the benefit of all.

The Arab ministerial meeting discussed a number of social and economic topics on its agenda. It also reviewed ways to bolster joint Arab cooperation in all fields, especially regarding priority social, economic and development projects and programmes.

Addressing the meeting, Shaikh Salman took pride in the joint Arab efforts which led to the establishment of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and strengthening its pivotal and important role on the international economic mapز He underlined the importance of planning, implementing and completing a number of joint projects in the field of infrastructure, transportation and energy to place the Arab economic system among the best economic blocs that contribute to the total output of the global economy, in light of the challenges facing the global economy, such as high inflation rates, high-interest rates, and efforts to achieve food and water security.

The Minister indicated that Bahrain welcomes the resolution issued by the Arab League Council to allow Syria to resume its participation in the Arab League’s meetings, as Arab countries share interests and common destiny.

He stressed the need to step up joint Arab cooperation and broaden areas of cooperation among Arab states, which will enable them to face all development and economic challenges, as well as achieve sustainable development goals.