Manama: Indian External affairs minister S Jaishankar arrived in Bahrain Tuesday on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks on bilateral issues and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
This is his first visit to Bahrain after assuming office.
He met Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani and discussed the historical relation between India and Bahrain, official news agency BNA reported.
During the meeting, he conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian government to Bahrain’s leadership on the death of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa on November 11, commending his great contributions to strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries and people.
Dr. Al-Zayani commended the close bilateral relations between Bahrain and India, and stressed Manama's aspiration to enhance bilateral cooperation with New Delhi in various fields, BNA said.
The minister praised the role of the Indian community in Bahrain and their significant contributions to the development and progress that the kingdom is witnessing in all sectors. He wished further progress and prosperity for India and its friendly people.
For his part, S Jaishankar lauded solid bilateral relations existing between the two countries and the continuous development and progress it has reached at all levels, pointing out the kingdom’s positions, its regional and international standing, and its efforts to consolidate security, stability, and prosperity in the region and promote world peace, the report read.
Minister expressed the Indian government's thanks and appreciation to Bahrain for the care provided to the Indian community in Bahrain.
He also underlined the care extended by the kingdom in preserving the health and safety of Indian workers during COVID-19. He wished Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.
The meeting also discussed the historical friendship and cooperation between Bahrain and India and the means to enhance and develop bilateral cooperation.
Earlier, the S Jaishankar was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa., upon his arrival in Bahrain. He was accompanied by a high level delegation.
He will leave for the UAE today as part of his tri-nation tour including Seychelles. He will be back to New Delhi on November 30, according to an official statement.
Earlier, the external affairs ministry said in a statement that the minister would hold talks with his counterparts in those countries on bilateral issues and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
This is his first visit to the extended neighbourhood amid the Covid-19 pandemic to boost bilateral cooperation.
Since diplomatic engagements were disrupted by the pandemic, Jaishankar has travelled only to Russia for a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and to Japan for a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad.
