Manama, Oct. 9 (BNA) Within the framework of the long-standing relations and friendship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Maldives, and in line with the aspiration to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, official talks were held. Between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Salih, President of the Republic of Maldives, at Al-Qudaibiya Palace.
2. The two sides discussed the value of close bilateral relations, new areas of cooperation, and ways to develop and strengthen existing relations that serve common interests. The two sides affirmed the common desire to enhance economic, commercial and investment cooperation, and the importance of supporting the private sector to contribute to economic growth for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.
3. The talks provided a good opportunity to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual benefit and to further strengthen political and economic relations, particularly in the areas of trade, food security, environment, communications, culture, tourism, youth development and sports.
4. The two parties agreed to increase tourist travel between the two countries. In this context, the two sides stressed the importance of the air services agreement signed in 2019 to increase tourism.
5. Both sides stressed the importance of an early and successful conclusion of the ongoing discussions on a Visa Waiver Agreement designed to facilitate ease of entry, enable travel, and encourage trade and communications between individuals.
6. The two sides acknowledged the importance of cooperation to face the challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise for the environment, economy and global stability. The parties agreed to enhance coordination on these issues and to formulate policies on their respective response measures.
7. In this context, several memoranda of understanding were signed during the visit, covering cooperation in political consultations and diplomatic training, youth and sports development, climate change, advisory and advisory services between telecom operators.
8. The two sides welcomed the appointment of the Republic of Maldives as a global sea-to-air logistics partner for the Kingdom of Bahrain. This will facilitate the provision of logistical support services between the two countries. They also welcomed the decision to grant the Maldives jurisdiction over the data of its entities hosted in Bahrain-based cloud hubs.
9- They discussed regional and international developments of common interest, including the challenges facing the countries of the region. The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, and those stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations, foremost of which is the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and a peaceful solution. of disputes.
10- The two sides denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and reaffirmed their desire to enhance cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels in combating terrorism and its financing, combating transnational organized crime, and enhancing cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, in the interest of maintaining international security and stability.
11. The two sides stressed the importance of ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean, maintaining security and stability in the region, and protecting international trade.
12- With regard to the rights of the Palestinians, the two sides stressed the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the principle of the two-state solution and in line with international resolutions.
13- With regard to the crisis in Yemen, the two sides expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its continuous support to bring peace and stability to the Republic of Yemen, and both sides expressed their condemnation of the Houthi terrorist group’s refusal… to extend the armistice in Yemen proposed by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen , Hans Grundberg, and approved by the Yemeni government. The two sides renewed their support for all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and UN Security Council Resolution No. 2216 to achieve its objectives. Peace, security and stability for the Yemeni people.
14- With regard to Iran, the two sides stressed the importance of compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference in the affairs of other countries, and respect for the sovereignty of countries and their religious and cultural values. And to refrain from using or threatening force, and they called on Iran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency and work to make the Middle East, including the Arab Gulf, free of weapons of mass destruction.
15. The two sides reviewed the latest developments in Ukraine and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict by peaceful means. They also affirmed support for international efforts to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, enable the export of grain to ensure food security, and all efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict, and to maintain security and peace in Europe and the world.
16- His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Salih, President of the Republic of the Maldives, thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the warm reception and generous hospitality. extended to him and his entourage. The President of the Republic of Maldives extended invitations to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to visit the Republic of Maldives as soon as possible, and they were gladly accepted.
AOQ