EGYPT and Bahrain reasserted, during a meeting between King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati in Manama on Monday, mutual keenness on enhancing relations and expanding co-operation to new horizons.
Minister Abdel-Aati conveyed to King Hamad the greetings of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, expressing the president’s anticipation of welcoming him to Egypt in the near future, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf said.
Dr Abdel-Aati underscored the importance of joint efforts to reinforce Gulf security as a vital component of Egyptian national security, alongside strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries.
He further expressed Egypt’s deep appreciation for King Hamad’s support and care for the Egyptian community in Bahrain, highlighting their vital role in contributing to Bahrain’s development, said the spokesman.
The discussions, Spokesman Khallaf said, also covered key political and security developments in the region.
In this respect, Minister Abdel-Aati provided an update on the progress of implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid access.
He also outlined Egypt’s stance on developments in Syria, emphasising the necessity of continued Arab coordination on regional matters and the importance of building on the outcomes of the recent Arab Summit in Manama.
For his part, King Hamad expressed deep appreciation for President Sisi and his profound respect and affection for Egypt and its people.
He also commended the swift advancement of Egyptian-Bahraini relations and acknowledged the effectiveness of joint mechanisms aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties and co-operation.
Also on Monday, Minister Abdel-Aati called on Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Minister Abdel-Aati praised the strong fraternal ties between the two countries, expressing his hope for a visit by the Crown Prince to Egypt. The anticipated visit would be Sheikh Salman’s first to Cairo since assuming the post of Prime Minister.
The chances for enhancing economic and investment co-operation and exploring available investment prospects in Egypt would be considered during the anticipated visit, Spokesman Khallaf said.
Minister Abdel-Aati stressed the need for thorough preparation for the upcoming second meeting of the Egyptian-Bahraini Governmental Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technological Co-operation.
The minister also noted the potential for Egyptian companies to participate in infrastructure projects in Bahrain and highlighted the significant reforms in Egypt’s investment climate. He reassured Bahrain that Egypt is committed to overcoming any obstacles to foreign investment.
