Fillip to security

Manama : Bahrain’s security is an integral part of Turkey’s security, said Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim yesterday during a meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The Turkish PM thanked HM the King for Bahrain’s solidarity and supportive stances towards his country.

The meeting assumes great significance as it comes at a time when Turkey is ramping up its Syria offensive by thrusting deeper into the war-torn country to fight terrorists.

Bahrain had earlier extended strong support to Turkey in the wake of a coup attempt in July. HM King Hamad’s visit is also significant as he is the first Arab leader to visit the country since the botched coup.

During the meeting, HM the King lauded the key role played by Turkey at the regional and international levels.

HM the King took pride in the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries that have been steadily enhanced by cooperation, joint action and the exchange of official visits.

King Hamad stressed Bahrain’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Turkey in the trade, economic, investment and cultural areas. 

HM the King also recalled the meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, when the delegations of the two countries signed a slew of agreements to boost cooperation in various fields.

“The people and government of Turkey will never forget this stance, which will remain engraved in our memory,” Erdogan said during the earlier meeting, thanking Bahrain for its supportive stance.

At the end of yesterday’s meeting HM King Hamad thanked the Turkish President, government and people of the very warm welcome and gracious hospitality.

Yildirim praised HM the King’s keen interest in enhancing cooperation with Turkey.

Regional and international developments, as well as topics of joint interest, were discussed by the two sides. The official delegation accompanying HM the King was present at the meeting.