Red carpet for Russian companies to explore oil fields

Manama

Russian companies will soon be invited to explore oil and gas fields in the Kingdom of Bahrain, said Former MP and Ambassador Designate to Russia Ahmed Al Saati.

Saati, who leaves for Moscow today to assume the charge of the Ambassador of Bahrain in Russia, said that the Russian companies had vast experience in the fields of oil and gas. “Bahrain wants to benefit from their expertise. There will be an open tender bid for the Russian companies,” he told DT News yesterday.

 He said the Russians get the entry visas at the Bahraini airports. “I will try to get the same facility for the Bahrainis at the Russian airports as well.”  

 “Russia is a very beautiful country and it can prove to be a very good destination for the Bahraini tourists,” he noted.

 According to Saati, the trade volume between the two countries did not reflect the politically close relationship between the two countries. He said it would be his first priority to increase trade volume to the desirable level.

 “My mission is to continue to increase ties with Russia, which is a big influential power and a strong player in the global issues,” he said.

 Relations with Russia have seen remarkable increase following the visits by HM the King in 2008 and 2014 and the visit by HRH the Crown Prince to Moscow in April 2014.

 In the latest high-level visits, Capital Governor Shaikh Hesham will head a trade delegation, including 30 businessmen to St. Petersburg, Russia on October 11 and the Governor of St. Petersburg will also visit Bahrain in December.

 Another Bahraini delegation will go to Sochi city in Russia.  Cultural Minister Shaikha Mai will also visit St. Petersburg in December. The famous Bolshoi opera is coming to Bahrain in December. 

Saati said the Russians would also take part in the Manama dialogue. Three aircraft companies of Russia have also signed to participate in the Air Show 2016.

 The commencement of Russian language classes in Bahrain University is also under consideration. “There are many opportunities for the Russian investors in the fields of tourism, industry and science and technology. Bahrain has a business friendly environment and the cheap expat manpower is also available here,” he explained.