Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, engaged in significant discussions with Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, during her visit to Bahrain for the GCC-Canada Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting. The meeting aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations and discussing key strategic issues affecting both nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Zayani emphasized the continuous growth in bilateral relations and reiterated Bahrain's dedication to enhancing cooperation in the economic, trade, and investment sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries. Minister Anand highlighted the importance of deepening the longstanding ties and acknowledged the efforts to advance bilateral cooperation and shared interests.
Minister Anand also expressed Canada's support for Bahrain, condemning the Iranian attacks against Bahrain and the GCC states, as well as Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. She praised Bahrain's diplomatic efforts at the United Nations Security Council and its role in securing Resolution 2817, which urged Iran to halt actions violating international law.
The discussions covered bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities to expand collaboration under existing agreements. Both sides reviewed the outcomes of political consultations and exchanged views on regional and international security issues.
The meeting addressed regional developments, focusing on the continued Iranian attacks against Bahrain and the GCC states, and the ramifications of Iran's ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz on maritime navigation, the global economy, and energy and food supply chains. Both parties stressed the importance of supporting regional and international efforts to advance Pakistani mediation aimed at resolving the conflict and maintaining regional security and stability.
The session was attended by Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations, and Minister Plenipotentiary Salman Hassan Al Jalahma, Chief of the Americas Affairs Sector.