Bahraini prince meets Indian FM

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today met His Excellency Salman Khurshid, Indian Minister of External Affairs, at Riffa Palace following the Manama Dialogue, held from 6 to 8 December. The meeting focused on the strong relationship between Bahrain and India, in particular India’s contribution to Bahrain’s development through its provision of exports, services, and manpower. The meeting also recognized India’s leading regional role within Asia and the importance of Bahrain enhancing its relations with the country. His Royal Highness stated that the strong relations between Bahrain and India are founded on historically resilient ties between the two countries, and are currently being invested in furthering bilateral ties across a range of spheres. His Royal Highness also noted that the relationship between Bahrain and India receives a great deal of interest from His Majesty King Hamad. During the meeting, His Royal Highness reiterated Bahrain’s interest in exploring further opportunities for cooperation, observing that the relations are already proceeding in a satisfying direction, and described India as an influential and rising power in Asia. His Royal Highness went on to express his welcome to His Excellency Mr Khurshid, noting in particular his and India’s contribution to the Manama Dialogue and India’s important role in the spheres of international security and stability. Separately, His Royal Highness expressed his gratitude for the Indian community’s role in Bahrain, particularly in regards to contributing to the Kingdom’s development programme, and also emphasised the respect for the Indian community from Bahrain. For his part, His Excellency Mr Khurshid expressed his appreciation of Bahrain’s commitment to engagement with India and further developing relations, referring in particular to the series of visits led by His Royal Highness to India and their contribution to furthering bilateral relations between the two countries. His Excellency further wished Bahrain continuing prosperity. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, also attended the meeting. (Source: press release).