Undersecretary for International Affairs meets Polish officials

The Polish Undersecretary of State for Development Cooperation, Economic Diplomacy and Human Rights, Joanna Wronecka, received the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who was on a working visit to Poland on November 9-11.

Shaikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, to the Polish Foreign Minister, Witold Waszczykowski, highlighting the mutual desire to develop various fields of cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The meeting also discussed bilateral relations, the latest regional and international developments and the establishment of an understanding between the two ministries regarding political consultations in order to develop the partnership of the two countries to achieve common interests.

Shaikh Abdullah reviewed Bahrain's foreign policy and its stances regarding regional and international issues under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the achievements of the Kingdom as a state of law and institutions.
He stressed that the most important challenges facing the Middle East and Europe are the interference in their internal affairs by countries that support and finance terrorism, affirming that addressing these challenges requires cooperation with allied and friendly countries and noting that Poland has been elected to the UN Security Council for two years and is a senior member of NATO and the European Union.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the promising opportunities between the two countries at the bilateral and collective levels, adding that the national economy is one of the most diversified economies in the Arabian Gulf region, with an attractive investment environment and an advanced infrastructure and organization that support diversification of income sources and attract pioneering technological and financial services.
Shaikh Abdullah also discussed the progress of the comprehensive reforms in the Kingdom of Bahrain and its achievements.

The Polish undersecretary praised the reform measures and the developmental efforts of Bahrain as an important friendly country in the Middle East. She expressed hope that the political consultations with the Kingdom of Bahrain would start a strong cooperation between the two friendly countries, specially that they both are committed to combatting terrorism and promoting international peace.

Shaikh Abdullah also met the Polish Sejm Deputy Marshal, Ryszard Terlecki and stressed Bahrain's keenness to further enhance cooperation with Poland.
He also noted that the friendly relations between the two countries were reinforced when His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented the people of Poland with an Arabian horse from the Royal Stables in August 2014, during a ceremony that was attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Abdullah reviewed the current developments in the Gulf, affirming that Bahrain supports peace and stability, and that one of its priorities is achieving sustainable development through investing in human resources.
He stated that Bahrain is an example of openness and moderation in the Middle East, and a pioneering model of public freedoms and human rights, adding that the Kingdom plays a vital role in the fight against terrorism and extremism. He also expressed pride that Bahrain has an advanced position in terms of human development, respect for freedom of opinion and belief, democracy and the empowerment of women and others.
Shaikh Abdullah said that Bahrain aspires to lead the region on information and financial technology in line with Bahrain's economic vision 2030.
The Polish Sejm Deputy Marshal welcomed the visit of Shaikh Abdullah, which reflects the mutual keenness of the two leaderships to exchange visits and meetings, and further develop bilateral relations, for the benefit of the two countries and the two friendly peoples.
He pointed out that the foreign policies of Bahrain and Poland are similar in their promotion of international cooperation and development, respect of international law and support of efforts to establish peace and stability.
He expressed his categorical rejection of any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the Middle East including the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing the importance of confronting terrorist groups and their sources of funding, and that his country will continue to work with the European Union in this regard.

Source: BNA