Shoukry Meets Bahraini Premier in Manama

CAIRO, Nov. 11 (SEE) - Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry conferred with Bahrain's Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa in Manama on Sunday at the start of his visit leading the Egyptian delegation to the 10th session of the joint committee.

"At the beginning of the talks, Shoukry expressed Egypt's deep appreciation of wise positions and policies adopted by Bahrain in support of joint Arab action, which in turn could contribute to strengthening regional and international security and peace," Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Hafez was quoted by MENA news agency as saying.

"Cairo highly values close and distinguished relations with Manama at all levels, especially under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Bahraini King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa," Shoukry underlined.

"Egypt is keen on pushing forward bilateral ties with Bahrain in all fields," Shoukry added, wishing that the joint committee meetings could yield concrete results.

In a related context, Shoukry asserted that Egypt is willing to open up new horizons of cooperation with the Gulf state, through making good use of the two countries' comparative advantages and fostering bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy, entrepreneurship, and technical and financial services, according to the spokesman.

The top diplomat stressed that Egypt is committed to the Gulf's security and stability, which is an integral part of the Egyptian national security.

"Cairo totally rejects any foreign interference in the Gulf's internal affairs," he clarified.

For his part, the Bahraini premier lauded the strong relations with Egypt and ongoing cooperation between the two countries at all levels.

"The Bahraini leadership is eager to boost coordination and consultation with its Egyptian counterpart on bilateral relations and regional issues of common concern to overcome challenges facing the region," Khalifa bin Salman said.