First meeting of senior officials held between Foreign Ministry, European Union External Action Service in Brussels

Brussels, June 23 (BNA) The first meeting of senior officials between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union’s External Action Service took place today in Brussels. It was chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Director General for Middle East and North Africa Affairs, Fernando Gentilini.

The meeting was held in the presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Belgium, Abdullah bin Faisal bin Jabr Al-Dosari, and a number of officials.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the government headed by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Strengthening ties of cooperation and strategic partnership with the European Union and all its members and institutions, in order to achieve common interests in promoting security, peace and sustainable development.

The two sides reviewed prospects for cooperation and exchange of experiences in various fields. They discussed the technical procedures used to exempt Bahraini citizens from the prerequisite (Schengen) visa requirements when visiting European Union countries. They also highlighted ways to enhance political partnership and consolidate peace and security at the regional and international levels.

For his part, Fernando Gentilini affirmed his keenness to enhance political and economic cooperation and partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to coordinate political and security positions towards regional and international issues of common interest, wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity.

AOQ