Bahrain keen to strengthen ties with Malaysia, says prince
KUALA LUMPUR: Bahrain is committed to strengthening relations with Malaysia by boosting investments and bilateral trade, its Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman Hamad Al-Khalifa said.
Prince Salman emphasised the importance of the private sector in boosting bilateral ties during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Gudaibiya Palace, Bahrain’s daily English newspaper DT News reported.
Prince Salman stressed the importance of boosting official visits between the two nations to increase bilateral trade and investment.
“Malaysia’s economic achievements are phenomenal.
“So is the role it plays in supporting safety and security in the region, particularly through its participation in the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition,” he said, while underlining the kingdom’s commitment to engage in a mutually-beneficial cooperation.
Najib was on a three-day official visit to Bahrain, which saw him receiving Bahrain’s highest award, the King Hamad Order for Development, from Bahraini ruler King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa.
The prime minister has the distinction of being the first foreign leader to be conferred Bahrain’s new highest award created two years ago.
According to DT News, Prince Salman welcomed the growth of relations between Bahrain and Malaysia, and this was supported by King Hamad.
Prince Salman and Najib reviewed a range of bilateral initiatives and ways to develop relations across various sectors.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest.
Najib visited the Economic Development Board (EDB) and discussed ways to boost trade ties in the presence of Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid Abdulla Al Khalifa and EDB officials.
EDB chief executive officer Khalid Al-Rumaihi briefed Najib about its role in consolidating and supporting the economic policies of the kingdom, under the leadership of King Hamad, and efforts to diversify the kingdom’s economy.
Referring to EDB’s plans and strategies to develop economic sectors, Al-Rumaihi highlighted EDB’s keenness to consolidate investments in financial services, information and communication, logistics, manufacturing and tourism.
He said there were promising horizons to boost economic relations with Malaysia, given the two countries’ flourishing economic march, and international status in the Islamic banking sector.
Al-Rumaihi stressed EDB’s keenness on strengthening investment cooperation with Malaysia, highlighting the country’s experience and economic weight in Asean countries.