Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 4-5 October 2009. Dr. Shashi Tharoor was received by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain 5th October, 2009. The Prime Minister reiterated that both countries enjoy relations deep-rooted in history and that Bahrain recognises India’s growing importance. The Indian expatriates working in Bahrain are an integral part of Bahrain. Dr. Shashi Tharoor thanked the Prime Minister for being host to hundreds of thousands of Indian expatriates working here and stated that in addition to existing elements of bilateral relations, both sides need to work towards strengthening the relations by enhancing trade and investment. MOS held discussions with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom, H.E. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, on 4th October, 2009. During the bilateral discussions Bahrain position that, India’s Permanent Membership in the UNSC would be a stabilising influence in the whole region was reiterated. It would also support India’s candidature for a Non-Permanent seat in the UNSC for 2011-12. India committed its support for Bahrain’s candidature for a Non-Permanent Seat in the UNSC in 2026-27. It was agreed that both sides would work for realising the visit of H.M. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa to India at the earliest possible mutually convenient dates. It was also agreed to work towards enhancing the pace of negotiations for concluding Indo-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The existing mechanisms of Foreign Office Consultations as well as Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation will be activated at the earliest. Dr. Shashi Tharoor was also received by H.E. Mr. Hasan Abdullah Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E. Dr. Majeed Al Alawi, Minister of Labour, H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Balooshi, Minister of Social Development and H.E. Dr. Nizar Al Baharna, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and discussed various issues of mutual interest. New Delhi October 6, 2009 Source - http://meaindia.nic.in/ | ||
