The first meeting for political consultations between Bahrain and Romania was held on Thursday in Bucharest under the chairmanship of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Monica Gheorghita.
The two sides discussed boosting bilateral co-operation in all fields, and exchanged viewpoints on the latest regional and international developments as well as combatting terrorism and extremism.
Dr Shaikh Abdullah noted that the political consultations with Romania come to enhance co-operation and partnership between the two countries, commending the remarkable development of bilateral relations in various fields.
The Undersecretary highlighted the achievements of the kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad in consolidating the principles of the state and reinforcing sustainable development. He added that Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 focuses on the values of competition, justice and sustainability, and succeeded in balancing between democratic and economic development. He went on to note that Romania’s membership in the European Union in 2007 contributed to enhancing bilateral relations in line with the kingdom’s developing relations with the EU.
Dr Shaikh Abdullah expressed the kingdom’s keenness to develop co-operation with Romania following three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries, affirming the importance of investment and mutual respect and understanding in this regard. He noted the kingdom’s leadership in international indicators, including the fields of economic openness, human development and communications, as well as the effectiveness of the judicial system in the settlement of disputes, in addition to successive initiatives that reflect the investment climate and the necessary legal guarantees, in accordance with global standards.
He also pointed out that the Bahraini economy is characterised by diversity and growth. He added that the kingdom is a centre for finance and entrepreneurship and a key gateway to trade with the Gulf, while Romania is the 10th largest economic power in the EU. The Bahraini official further noted the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Gulf Co-operation Council and Romania last February, on the mechanisms of consultations, to co-ordinate efforts and expand co-operation and consultation between the two sides.
Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed that the threat of terrorism threatens the security and stability of all countries without exception. In this regard, he highlighted Bahrain's approach to combating extremism and terrorism as a leading model. He stressed the importance of the concerted efforts of the international community to combat terrorist ideologies and practices.
Ms Gheorghita affirmed that Romania has an attractive business environment through recent legislative amendments, such as the public-private partnership law, and has succeeded in developing dynamic communications, industry, construction and agriculture. She also expressed her appreciation for the reforms taken by Bahrain, highlighting its role as a distinguished and active country in the Middle East.
Dr Shaikh Abdullah also attended a working luncheon hosted by the Minister of State within the Ministry of the Environment, Business and Entrepreneurship of Romania, Paula Pîrvănescu.
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