Diplomatic Win: HM King holds official talks with HE President Putin

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, today, held official talks with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

HE the Russian President welcomed the visit of His Majesty the King to Russia, emphasising ongoing communication with His Majesty.

HE highlighted the advanced cooperation between the two countries, which celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

HE President Putin underscored the two countries’ longstanding efforts to strengthen cooperation, affirming their shared diplomatic positions on various regional and global issues. He expressed his keenness to learn about the outcomes of the 33rd Arab Summit, which was hosted by Bahrain on May 16th.

HE President Putin expressed optimism on further bolstering trade cooperation, underscoring the encouraging indicators regarding investment collaboration. HE said there were approximately 30 large-scale projects between the two countries and an investment package valued at $500 million.

HE added that cultural cooperation between the two countries continued to develop, particularly through the hosting of Bahrain's cultural events in Russia, while also hosting Russian events in Bahrain next year.

HE the President also commended the advanced educational collaboration between the two countries.

For his part, HM King Hamad expressed his appreciation to HE the Russian President for his invitation, affirming that the visit provides a boost to cooperation across various domains.

HM King Hamad said that one of the key objectives of the visit was briefing HE President Putin on the outcomes of the 33rd Arab Summit held in Bahrain, noting that the summit participants commended Russia's support and solidarity with just Arab causes.

HM the King highlighted the decision made during the Arab Summit on hosting an international peace conference.

HM noted that the Russian Federation was the first country approached by HM King for support in hosting this conference, in recognition of the significance of Russia's global role.

HM King Hamad emphasised the keenness to hosting this conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Furthermore, HM the King congratulated HE the Russian President on winning in the presidential elections.

HM King said that this victory demonstrated the people's trust in the President's visionary leadership, noting that the region and the Arab world welcomed this win and are supportive of Russia’s stability.

HM the King lauded Russia’s economic, social, and security advancement, despite the difficult conditions faced by Russia and the region.

During the meeting, HM the King said that the situation in the Gaza Strip was one of the main sources of concern, and that everyone hoped that this war ends for the sake of the innocent people who were deeply affected severely impacted, and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes and their communities, and are seeking  refuge within their own country, in an area  40 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide,  amidst ongoing bombings.

HM King Hamad stressed that the main priority is innocent civilians and delivering humanitarian aid to them, noting that, on the other hand, the historical dispute is well-documented, and that no prior consultations took place on the military operations.

HM the King emphasised that Arab leaders showed a complete understanding of the situation during the Arab Summit, and that there was consensus regarding this issue. 

HM King Hamad said he was honoured with leading the responsibility of addressing Arab issues during the current session of the Arab Summit, emphasising that he looked forward to the continued Russian support.

HM the King also expressed Bahrain's interest in the support of Arab countries and Russia to achieving the principles of good neighbourliness, to maintain relations on diplomatic, trade and cultural levels with countries in the region.

HM emphasised that the support of Russia and HE the Russian President was welcome by the people of Bahrain and by His Majesty personally.

HM the King said the kingdom looked forward to improving relations with Iran, and that there was no reason to delay the resumption of relations between the two countries.

Moreover, the two sides discussed the advanced status of bilateral cooperation relations across various domains and further developing them to serve the interests of both countries and peoples.

The talks also touched on the latest developments in the Arab region, particularly the destructive war on the Gaza Strip.

They reviewed regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza to alleviate their suffering.

In this context, they stressed the importance of calm and de-escalation, advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They called for a just, comprehensive, and sustainable solution for the Palestinian case in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

This includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and supporting efforts to recognise and accept the Palestinian state as a permanent member of the United Nations.

The two sides stressed the importance of the UN Security Council fulfilling its responsibilities to resolve global conflicts in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

The emphasised the need to uphold international peace and security, mobilise international efforts for global stability, and promote sustainable development to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all people worldwide.

In honour of His Majesty King Hamad, His Excellency President Putin held a luncheon at the Grand Kremlin Palace, attended by members of the official Bahraini delegation and senior officials in the Russian government.

During the luncheon, the two leaders exchanged cordial talks on the strong historical relations between the two countries and their common keenness to further consolidate them.

Then, they exchanged gifts of state.

Following that, HM the King and HE the President attended the signing ceremony of the memorandums of understanding and agreements that were signed between Bahrain and Russia.

1.       A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Health of Bahrain and the Ministry of Health of Russia, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the health sector.

It was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Mikhail Murashko, the Minister of Health of Russia.

2.       An MoU between the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) of Bahrain and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia to enhance cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

It was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia.

3.       An MoU between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of Bahrain and the Ministry of Transport of Russia on transportation and transit. This MoU aimed at improving transportation efficiency and increase the number of passengers and goods transported in bilateral traffic and transit on the International North-South Transport Corridor.

It was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Roman Starovoyt, Minister of Transport of Russia.

4.       An MoU between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Ministry of Culture of Russia, regarding the implementation of the Russian Seasons programme that is aimed at showcasing Russian culture and heritage in Bahrain.

It was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Olga Lymubimova, Minister of Culture of Russia.

5.       A cooperation programme between BACA and the Ministry of Culture of Russia for 2024-2027. This programme aimed at implementing the MoU signed between the two countries on December 2, 2008, to strengthen cultural relations.

It was signed by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and Olga Lymubimova, Minister of Culture of Russia.

6.       An MoU between the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) of Bahrain and the Russian Roscongress Foundation for Expert and Analytical Work and the Falcon Centre “Kamchatka.” This MoU aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of protecting rare bird species internationally.

It was signed by Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs of Bahrain; G.P. Velikikh, the Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation for Expert and Analytical Work of Russia; and V.V.Tumashov, the Development Director of the Falcon Centre “Kamchatka” of Russia.

7.        An MoU between the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies (MBMA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Russia. This MoU aimed at boosting ongoing cooperation in the field of training and improving the professional skills of diplomats, within the framework of enhancing bilateral diplomatic ties.

It was signed by Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs of Bahrain, and Alexander Yakovenko, the Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Russia.

The signing ceremony was attended by members of the official Bahraini delegation and senior officials in the Russian government.