Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his visit to Manama, and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Jaishankar reached Bahrain from Qatar on the second leg of his four-nation visit to the Gulf from July 5 to 10, which also includes Kuwait and Oman. The visit is taking place amid fast-changing political developments in West Asia following the signing of an agreement aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict.
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In a post on X, Jaishankar said, ‘Honoured to have an audience with HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Also privileged to meet HRH Crown Prince and PM Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the audience.’ He conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the King and thanked him for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain. ‘Deeply value His Majesty’s continued guidance for advancing the India-Bahrain partnership. Thanked him for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain,’ he said.
Earlier, Jaishankar met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and discussed deepening bilateral cooperation as well as ongoing developments in the region. ‘Delighted to meet FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain in Manama today. Discussed deepening our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on ongoing developments in the region,’ he said in another post. During the ongoing visit, Jaishankar is to meet his counterparts and top leaders of the four Gulf countries to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.
The Gulf visit comes at a time when regional political dynamics are evolving quickly. Bahrain was under direct Iranian missile and drone strikes before the ceasefire. Qatar and Oman have emerged as mediators, along with Pakistan, in bringing about the Iran ceasefire after weeks of escalating tensions. The indirect talks between the US and Iran in Doha are set to continue after the week-long funeral rites of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which began on Friday.
During his Qatar visit on Sunday, Jaishankar met Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and reviewed cooperation in energy, trade, investments, connectivity and security. After completing his visit to the four Gulf countries, Jaishankar will travel to New York on July 13 to launch India’s official campaign for the UN Security Council tenure for 2028-29, and will then attend the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting in Brussels on July 14 and 15.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
