Bahrain, Indian cooperation discussed

Manama, Jan.23(BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa met the Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, on an official visit to Bahrain to head the delegation of her country participating in the First Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum which opens on Sunday in Manama. Shaikh Khalid welcomed the Indian minister and commended the close relations between the two countries, noting the depth of these historical relations and their expansion. The minister welcomed the regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries which would impart further momentum to the relations between them at all levels. Shaikh Khalid also lauded the efforts of the Indian community in Bahrain and their contribution to its development and growth. He reiterated Bahrain's resolve to expand bilateral relations towards wider horizons and promote cooperation in all areas. Swaraj expressed her pleasure to be on a visit to Bahrain, and voiced her gratitude for the respect and attention extended to the Indian community. She commended the achievements of Bahrain in all fields that have made it a democratic and development model to be emulated on regional and international levels. She reiterated the keenness of India to promote cooperation with Bahrain. The meeting discussed the agenda of the First Ministerial Meeting of the Arab- India Cooperation Forum. Shaikh Khalid and Swaraj signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the transfer of sentenced individuals between Bahrain and India.