HRH Premier, Sri Lankan President discuss ways of bolstering joint cooperation

Manama, Apr. 29. (BNA) – His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received here today the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and discussed with him ways of bolstering bilateral cooperation ties in all fields. HRH Premier lauded the advanced level of the steadily-growing Bahraini-Sri Lankan cooperation and coordination in all fields, praising the two countries' constant desire to develop their friendly ties further in order to meet the expectations of the two friendly peoples. He stressed the need to expand areas of joint cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade and investment fields through the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between of the sidelines of the official talks of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Prime Minister called for the need to intensify reciprocal visits of officials from both countries, highlighting the kingdom's keenness to expand the frameworks of bilateral cooperation, and ensure that both countries benefit from each other's human and natural resources in order to pave the way for a more constructive cooperation. HRH Premier expressed satisfaction over the signing of MoUs in the educational, cultural and sport fields, noting that President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit has heralded a new phase of fruitful cooperation between the two friendly countries. The Sri Lankan President expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to HRH Premier, the kingdom and its people for the hospitality and warm welcome accorded to him and his accompanying delegation during the visit, affirming his country's interest in bolstering relations with Bahrain. He lauded the landmark achievements attained by the kingdom at all levels, and hailed the economic renaissance and development boom witnessed by the country. HRH Premier hosted a luncheon in honour of the Sri Lankan President and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Deputy Premiers, the Representatives and Shura Councils' Chairmen and a number of officials. W H Q