Washington, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal, met on Friday with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Bartbara Leaf, in the presence of Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the USA, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa.
They discussed ways of boosting parliamentary cooperation between the two friendly countries and issues of common interest.
The Speaker of the Representatives Council asserted during the meeting held in Washington the importance of strategic partnership between both countries and growing cooperation to achieve common aspirations. She noted the parliamentary support to the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed by both countries in various fields.
She pointed out the importance of providing facilities through the exemption from prior obtaining entry visas to the US, especially for Bahraini investors, merchants and students, stressing that such a step would serve the course of joint action between the two countries. She also underlined keenness of the legislative branch in the Kingdom of Bahrain to provide a stimulating legal structure and back common trends to bolster investment cooperation between both countries.
The Speaker of the Council of Representatives affirmed that the current challenges facing the world necessitate concerted international efforts to deter terrorism and extremism. She expressed Bahrain’s solidarity with the USA in its endeavor to bridle the terrorist acts which targeted secure civilians in many states, especially those which happened at schools and left many dead children. She also highlighted the kingdom’s stance regarding regional and international conflicts, stressing Bahrain’s adoption of diplomatic options, giving ascendency to the language of dialogue and following an approach based on finding political solutions aimed at settling conflicts and achieving peace, security and stability.
The meeting also cast light on the Arab-American Summit which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on July 16 as part of the US President’s visit to the Arab Gulf region.
For her part, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs affirmed that Bahrain is considered a strategic ally for the USA and an active element in the international community given its remarkable efforts to promote security and stability in the Middle East and foster peace among countries. She noted that the USA looks at Bahrain as an advocate of peace and a host of a unique diversity of religions, sects and ethnic groups. She also commended the kingdom’s efforts to promote religious coexistence and development.
Source: Bahrain News Agency