India, Bahrain resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) India and Bahrain today resolved to further strengthen their multi-faceted relationship with Bahrain hoping to boost ties, particularly in social and economic fields.

Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, currently on a four-day official visit to India, today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders including External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and discussed bilateral relations and regional and international developmens.

National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan also called on the Crown Prince who is the Commander-in-chief of the Bahraini Defence Forces.

During the meeting with the Prime Minister, bilateral, regional and international developments were discussed.

After his 30-minute meeting with the External Affairs Minister, the Crown Prince said Bahrain was building on the relationship between the two countries.

''We are here to explore the potential for many new relationships both in the social and the economic fields. We hope to develop this relationship to its natural conclusion,'' Shaikh Salman said.

The External Affairs Minister described Shaikh Salman's visit to India as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations.

''I have no doubt that this visit will further strengthen our relationship and cooperation. Our relationship is multi-faceted and we share many common perceptions...Indian expatriates feel quite comfortable in Bahrain,'' he said.

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