Bahrain, Iraq talks held

Manama, May 18 (BNA): Bahrain today stressed keenness on Iraq's security, stability, national unity and territorial integrity. Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla voiced the stance as he held an official session of talks with Iraqi Parliament President Dr. Salim al-Jabouri, currently on visit to Bahrain. The two sides strongly condemned the acts of terrorism masterminded and perpetrated by outlaw and rogue groups, stressing the importance of combating them. Al-Mulla expressed the hope that Iraq could root out the scourge of terrorism and thwart all attempts to subvert its security and national unity and undermine its independence and territorial integrity, rejecting interference in Iraq's internal affairs. Dr. al-Jabouri also rejected attempts to subvert Bahrain's security, sovereignty and independence, slamming any external interference from any state or group in the Kingdom's internal affairs under any pretext or cause. He stressed Bahrain's ability to play a fundamental role at this critical period of the Arab history, paying tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and the Government. The two sides discussed joint cooperation as well as regional challenges, stressing the importance of supporting projects and programmes that contribute to promoting economic development in the two countries. They announced the establishment of a joint parliamentary friendship committee during the session of talks which focused also on legislative cooperation, Bahrain's reform and democratic march. Al-Mulla stressed the need to put an end to the acts of certain Iraqi figures who defame Bahrain and compromise relations bonding the two countries and peoples, slamming the campaign orchestrated by some groups and organisations to discredit the Kingdom's rights record. He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa who embarked on the reform and democratization process ever since he acceded to the throne. He cited key milestones which marked the era of HM the King, stressing particularly the National Action Charter which was endorsed by a sweeping 98.4% of the votes, the bicameral system and other authorities and statutory bodies that consolidated Bahrain's standing as a state of law and institutions.