New Delhi (NVI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today concluded his maiden visit to Bahrain as Foreign Minister where he hailed the Indian diaspora in the country for their valuable contributions to the strengthening of bilateral ties.
This was Jaishankar’s first leg of three-nation tour that started Tuesday. During the visit, the EAM called on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and deputy prime minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
He also conveyed the Indian government’s condolences on the death of Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the former prime minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and recalled his contributions in strengthening bilateral relations and for the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.
Pleasure to call on PM HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Conveyed the felicitations of PM @narendramodi on his recent appointment as the Prime Minister of Bahrain. pic.twitter.com/aWt8bP3Ui2
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 25, 2020
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement said the EAM thanked the leadership of Bahrain for hosting more than 3,00,000 strong Indian community in Bahrain and for taking exceptional care of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bahrain’s leadership also appreciated the contribution of the Indian community to the development of Bahrain and the assistance provided by India during the Covid pandemic through supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals, MEA said.
“Both sides affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-related cooperation. They also expressed satisfaction on operationalisation of Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries,” it added.
Jaishankar also held delegation level talks with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the two ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest including cooperation and coordination in dealing with post-Covid challenges.
They agreed to further strengthen the historic India-Bahrain ties including in areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.
On the occasion, EAM Jaishankar renewed invitation to Bahrain’s FM for visiting India for the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in the next few months.
During the visit, EAM also interacted with the leaders of the Indian community in Bahrain in virtual mode.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar paid a visit to 200 years old Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) temple in Bahrain’s capital Manama. He also visited National Museum of Bahrain.
The EAM is currently on a three-nation and will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Seychelles this week.
-ARK
