Pacts with Tunisia to open new horizons of ties: King

Noting that both Bahrain and Tunisia boasted a long history and civilization, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that Tunisia had been the land of tolerance and peaceful co-existence among various religions for ages. “It’s the land of civilizations and religions in the region,” remarked HM the King said while receiving Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was also present on the occasion.

HM King Hamad said that the new agreements to be signed on the sidelines of the Tunisian President’s visit would open up new horizons of bilateral cooperation.

Beji Caid Essebsi in his address, said: “Tunisia and Bahrain have always been together and even have adjacent seats in the Arab League summits. It reflects the deep convergence of the two countries’ stances towards many issues.”

HM King Hamad bestowed on the Tunisian President the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Medal of the Excellent Class in appreciation of his support to efforts to bolster bilateral cooperation. President Essebsi also conferred on HM the King the Order of the Republic of the First Class in appreciation of His Majesty’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations in various fields.

    On the occasion, HM King Hamad and Essebsi attended the signing of the cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU). An MoU on environment protection and sustainable development was signed by HM the King’s Personal Representative and President of the Supreme Council for Environment Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Tunisian Foreign Minister Khmais Al-Jahinawi.

An agreement on security cooperation was signed by Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and the Tunisian Foreign Minister.  A pact on defence cooperation was inked by Defence Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Youssef bin Ahmed Al Jalahma and the Tunisian Foreign Minister. Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed and the Tunisian Foreign Minister signed a pact on air transportation. Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh and the Tunisian Foreign Minister also signed an executive programme for a cooperation agreement in the health field.