Milestone in Bahrain, Lanka relations - PM

Statement by Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khallifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa on his arrival in Sri Lanka.

At the beginning of our visit to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, it is our pleasure to express our pride in the deep rooted bilateral relations between our two countries.

Indeed, this relationship has offered over the years an important milestone an example in all of our relations with other South Asian countries.

Nevertheless, we look forward to further enhance our cooperation in order to satisfy our ambitions both as states and nations.

“Bahrain is deeply appreciative of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake of Sri Lanka for their positive positions and balanced policies towards Arab causes.

They have long been committed to the realization of international peace and security, in addition to their constructive role in achieving sustainable human and economic development.

“We have followed with admiration the economic and industrial progress that Sri Lanka enjoys today. Particularly its transformation into a modern industrial economy with all the developmental opportunities and future prospects such an economic model entails.

Both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka offer promising investment opportunities in addition to current economic potential and the business.

This encouraging environment will promote the establishment of private sector partnerships between the two countries which we hope in turn will prove fruitful to both economies.

“We hope that our visit to the Republic of Sri Lanka positively reflects our strong bilateral relations particularly as we are to witness the signing of a number of economic Memroandums of Understanding. The occasion will provide a fine platform for both businessmen and investors alike to further promote the exchange of expertise between our two countries to increase economic prosperity.

The signing of MoUs between our two countries establishes a number of essential indicators. The most prominent being a common will to move forward in the path of bilateral cooperation and a determination to take full advantage of future opportunities.

“We trust that our visit to this beautiful country and our meetings with His Excellency the President, the Honourable Prime Minister and high officials in Sri Lanka will present a new milestone in our long and deep rooted relationship.

It also reaffirms our common determination to support and develop various mechanisms that in turn will enhance our collaborations. “We would also like to express our gratitude to the role played by the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain in the development of the Kingdom. They remain highly welcomed and their welfare a personal concern of ours.

This is evident in the MoU signed by both countries in the field of working immigrants and vocational training and the development of immigrant workers rights in general. We would like to thank you all for your interest in our visit and we look forward to seeing your beautiful country and witnessing its development under the able leadership of the President and the Prime Minister.