MAJOR agreements that will include co-operation in space science, visas, tourism and medicine are set to be signed between Bahrain and Russia.
Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said positive dynamic progress in bilateral relationships was vital for new joint plans in multiple fields.
She was the guest speaker at the Shura Council’s weekly session, at the National Assembly complex in Gudaibiya, yesterday.
“Last year, we celebrated 30 years of formal relationship with Bahrain and we are keen on taking further steps,” said Ms Matviyenko.
“There is no doubt that the international community is faced with challenges from time to time which is affecting our joint plans.
“But, that shouldn’t stop us from bolstering co-operation in multiple fields.
“Covid-19 has hit many economies and this has led to a sharp drop in trade between both the countries as compared with previous years, but we are working to increase it again.”
She added that Russia shared a similar vision as Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, aiming to achieve sustainable development.
“Russia’s economic growth is set to increase by 4.7 per cent by the end of the year and Bahrain has announced a five-pillar strategy for recovery from Covid-19 impact which we believe would achieve set goals,” said Ms Matviyenko.
“Bahrain is a global leader in vaccinating its people and it was one of the first to introduce Russian vaccine Sputnik V before 70 other countries joined.
“Russia has developed five Covid-19 vaccines and we are working on more.
“We have offered Bahrain to produce Sputnik V and negotiations are underway for Bahrain to distribute it globally.”
Ms Matviyenko said the door has to be opened to revive tourism and business relationships with mutual vaccine passes accepted.
“We have strong relations in education, economy, commerce and investment.
“The Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company is in partnership with the Russian Direct Investment Fund on multiple projects and there are new opportunities.”
“Transportation, agriculture, excavation and discoveries are new potential fields that we could join hands in.
“We have signed an agreement in space sciences and using outer space for peaceful purposes.”
She added that the joint meeting between businessmen from both countries was planned in Bahrain next year.
“Bureaucratic procedures could be over as we open travel without visas for normal passport holders between both the countries.
“We have such agreements with more than 100 countries and should it happen in Bahrain then it will help boost tourism.
“Before Covid-19 there were 27,000 Russian tourists coming to Bahrain and without visas; this could increase.”
Ms Matviyenko said Bahrain was also a leader in religious, women and trade freedoms.
Shura chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh said strategic agreements were vital for relationship with Russia to thrive. “Things will progress and we have multiple legislations that would help push things forward.”
Ms Matviyenko is heading an official Russian parliamentary delegation to Bahrain.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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