Crown Prince discusses regional security priorities with Russian Special Representative

Manama, Dec.6(BNA) His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today met the Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Vershinin, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue. His Royal Highness and Vershinin, who also serves as the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department in Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the steady growth of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Russia and explored further ways to strengthen economic, investment, political and military ties. In this regard, Vershinin highlighted that Russia sees Bahrain as a major gateway for further cooperation with the GCC as a whole.Discussing regional developments, His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism to achieve a more stable and secure Middle East, aligning tactical efforts with regional strategies and international political and economic policies. In this regard, His Royal Highness emphasised that the rising evil theocracies believe they have a divine right to rule, and that the international community must stand together in the fight against this threat, as a united front against the oppression of women and the abuse of minorities. Furthermore, His Royal Highness stressed that while politics may drag people into ideology as some may feel isolated because of their inability to function within the society, it is in fact the ideology itself that must be combated. His Royal Highness went on to stress that events in the region serve to underscore the practical necessity of a consensus-based reform and development.Concerning the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism, His Royal Highness stressed that Bahrain, as a global partner for long-term peace and security, remains fully committed to countering all forms of terrorism and violent extremism to ensure lasting stability in the Middle East. He added that Bahrain continues to provide tactical and logistical support alongside GCC partners and key regional allies, to aid the international coalition’s efforts to eliminate terrorism and its causes. His Royal Highness extended his thanks on behalf His Majesty King Hamad for the gracious reception received while attending the Formula One racing event at Sochi. Vershinin congratulated His Royal Highness on the success of Bahrain’s recent elections and acknowledged the significant achievements and developments that Bahrain has made under His Majesty King Hamad’s programme of development and reform. Vershinin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with His Royal Highness, thanking him for his strong support for further enhancing bilateral ties, and highlighting the many shared interests of Bahrain and Russia in achieving lasting security and stability in the region. His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, son of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince attended the meeting.