Crown Prince meets Russian Prime Minister

Moscow. April 29 (BNA)-- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today met with the Russian Prime Minister, Dimitry Medvedev in Moscow. During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence, His Royal Highness reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with the Russian Federation, with a particular focus on strengthened trade and investment. Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Medvedev for the invitation to visit Russia, His Royal Highness said his visit reflects the steady growth of ties following His Majesty King Hamad’s previous state visit to Moscow. His Royal Highness also conveyed the regards and wishes for further development from His Majesty King Hamad, and His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain. During the meeting, His Royal Highness underscored the importance of furthering constructive and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries. His Royal Highness highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on strengthened trade links with Russia, and Eurasia as a whole. Regarding Russia’s relations with the region, His Royal Highness underscored the value of the ongoing strategic dialogue between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Russia. Turning to recent regional events of international interest, His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of consensus-based reform and development to ensuring long-term stability. Significant regional and international developments were discussed, with a particular focus on maintaining stability and security in the Middle East. His Royal Highness noted that any resolution to the Syrian conflict must act in the interests of all the Syrian people. During the meeting, Russia’s experience and knowledge of industrial manufacturing and infrastructure development were also discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of knowledge exchange between the two countries. Following the meeting, His Royal Highness presided over a special ceremony during which several MOUs and agreements were signed between Russian and Bahrain. These included: 1. Reciprocal protection of investment between the two countries 2. An MOU between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian Civil Aviation Authority to allow direct flight routes between Bahrain to Moscow 3. An MOU between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and the Russian Direct Investment Funds (RDIF) to facilitate enhanced coordination and trade between the two countries Prime Minister Medvedev also hosted a banquet in honour of His Royal Highness’ visit to Russia. A O Q