“The economic and trade cooperation between the two sides, in implementation of the Framework Agreement signed in 1988, is normal. We hope that such cooperation, would double in the coming years”, the Minister said.
Shaikh Khalid added that “despite the difficult economic conditions experienced by the world, we should cooperatively address the challenges as two major members of the world’s largest economic blocs through our strategic partnerships for the joint interests of our people”.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks following his participation at the 22nd GCC – EU Joint Ministerial meeting, held Monday in Luxembourg under and was co-chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council Prince Saud Al-Faisal and the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Baroness Catherine Ashton.
Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed described the meeting as a significant one given the critical circumstances the region is currently undergoing as a result of the on-going events in Syria and the inability of the International Community to reach an agreement to resolve the crisis and stop violence and destruction.
He also noted that that the Kingdom of Bahrain is adamantly working with other GCC member states to achieve security and stability and promote peace in the region, adding that such efforts require the persistent support of the international community.
The growing level of cooperation between the two sides, ways of enhancing them further in various fields and important developments in the GCC and the EU countries were among key topics discussed in the meeting.
Talks covered the latest regional and international developments, the situation in Syria and Yemen, and the peace process in the Middle East, as well as other international issues of mutual concern, including human rights and combating terrorism and piracy.
The communiqué issued following the joint ministerial meeting commended the achievements of the 2010 -2013 Joint Work Program, which included effective collaboration in areas of trade, investment, energy, environment, education, combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as Bahrain’s successful efforts in establishing the Bahrain Coordination Centre for Maritime Security.
The statement also took note of the successful diplomatic cooperation reflected in the training programme organized by the European Union’s organization for External Relations in which GCC Secretariat employees took part.
They also agreed to prepare the upcoming 2013 – 2016 Joint Work Programme, and hold their next meeting in 2013 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.