Crown Prince welcomes Bahrain-Russia Business Forum

Moscow, April 29 (BNA)-- His Royal Highness the Crown Prince welcomed the Bahrain-Russia Business Forum which took place today in Moscow, Russia. The forum, which aims to identify opportunities to enhance links between Bahrain and Russia, was jointly organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), the Russian-Bahrain Business Council, and the Russian-Arab Business Council. His Royal Highness highlighted the forum’s important contribution to the development of ties between Bahrain and Russia, which have grown since His Majesty King Hamad’s visit to Russia December 2008. His Royal Highness added that the steady growth of ties will lead to further diplomatic, business and economic coordination between the two countries. His Royal Highness further praised the forum for illustrating the essential role of the private sector in maximising opportunities for cooperation between Bahrain and Russia. In this regard, His Royal Highness said that such forums are platforms to promote the facilities and services that Bahrain offers to businesses looking to establish themselves in the region. His Royal Highness also stressed Bahrain’s commitment to developing its private sector, a vital element of its economy. During the forum, a number of dignitaries from both Russia and Bahrain delivered speeches stressing potential areas for developing bilateral trade ties between the two countries. His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed, the Bahraini Minister of Transport and acting CEO of the EDB, spoke on behalf of the Bahraini delegation, focusing on encouraging investments into both Bahrain and the wider GCC region. His Excellency went on to highlight the EDB’s role in developing Bahrain’s key sectors in support of the Kingdom’s economic diversification programme, a key part of which is enhancing links with Russia and Eurasia. His Excellency also noted the similarities between the GCC and the Russian Federation’s oil and gas industries. The Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Mr Khalid Almoayed, also spoke on behalf of the Bahraini delegation on the role of the BCCI in facilitating investment opportunities between Bahrain and Russia. He particularly highlighted the role of the private sector and emphasised the importance of finding ways to enhance coordination. The Bahraini delegation was also represented by His Excellency Dr. Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, the Minister of State for Electricity and Water, while the Russian delegates were represented by the President of the Russian-Bahrain Council, Vladimir Ahankof. A O Q