Bahraini-Austrian Friendship Society announced

Manama, February17(BNA)Bahrain and Austria have today established a parliamentary friendship committee. Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Chairman MP Abdulla bin Huweil announced the move as he met an Austrian Parliamentary delegation led by MP Christine Muttonen, currently on visit to Bahrain. Huweil stressed the importance of bolstering economic and cooperation and increasing the volume of trade exchanges, highlighting the need to seize investment opportunities in the two countries. He paid tribute to Austria which for being the first European country to recognize Islam by law 100 years ago, stressing keenness on strengthening joint cooperation to combat the scourge of terror and root out terrorist groups. He briefed the Austrian delegation on Bahrain's efforts to combat terrorism in cooperation with the international community, point out the presence of internal terrorist cells which threaten Bahrain's national unity and social cohesion in a bid to derail the democratic march. He stressed the importance of respecting the rule of the law and national independence, pointing out flagrant Iranian interference in Bahrain's internal affairs to support terrorist groups. Huweil updated the Austrian delegation on Bahrain's achievements, pointing out human rights strides, respect of cultural and religious diversity which consolidated stability and boost development. He cited the establishment of the National Institution of Human Rights, the Ombudsman General Secretariat and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), stressing efforts to promote women's political, social and economic empowerment.