India, Bahrain agree to intensify cooperation

New Delhi, Mar 22: India and Bahrain have reaffirmed their resolve to jointly combat terrorism and emphasised the importance of dialogue and negotiations to resolve all issues of concern.

The two countries also agreed to intensify high-level exchanges and stressed the need for diversifying and consolidating bilateral relationship.

A Joint Statement issued after the conclusion of the four-day official visit to India of Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral economic and technical cooperation and said the existing potential would be fully utilised to mutual benefit.

During the visit, the Crown Prince called on President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The two sides also signed two agreements--Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation (2007-2010) and Memorandum of Cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Bahrain Radio and TV Corporation.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed called on the Crown Prince.

The two sides denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their intention to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the United Nations.

While discussing the regional situation, the leaders of the two countries emphasised the importance of dialogue and negotiations in a peaceful environment to solve all issues of concern.

They also agreed that regular exchanges of high level visits between India and Bahrain would help sustain the momentum of bilateral relations.

During the discussions, the leaders of the two countries recalled the historical ties between India and Bahrain and noted the mutually beneficial and traditionally warm friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

They stressed the need for diversifying and consolidating this relationship and in that context, warmly welcomed the opening of the Embassy of Bahrain in New Delhi on March 21.

The India-Bahrain Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation would hold its next session in Bahrain in the second half of 2007 to follow-up on the mutually identified areas.

In New Delhi, the Crown Prince addressed the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and attended a luncheon meeting of Captains of Indian Industry.

The Crown Prince also visited Agra and Mumbai.

The Bahraini side appreciated the role and contribution of the Indian community for the development and progress of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

UNI