The two sides agreed to establish a Supreme Joint Bahraini-Korean Committee to be in charge of supervising joint cooperation in the fields of investments, technology, and transfer of expertise, e-Government services and cultural projects.
They also agreed to increase joint coordination at international gatherings, and to continue their cooperation in combating terrorism as partners in security and stability, given the fact that the security of countries is no longer an internal affair, but an issue that requires international cooperation.
The Korean Prime Minister expressed his country’s understanding and appreciation of the efforts exerted by the Government of Bahrain, led by HRH Premier, to maintain order, promote security, protect Bahrain from terrorism and ensure stability in the Middle East.
He pointed out that Bahrain is a land of peace, security and stability, noting that efforts to address security problems and combat terrorism in Bahrain are carried out in the “right way thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.”
He added that the National Consensus Dialogue would contribute to fostering the country’s stability.
He also invited HRH Premier to visit the Republic of Korea, and the Prime Minister accepted it and pledged to set its time through diplomatic channels.
HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa asserted that his Korean counterpart’s visit and its timing reflect friendly Korea’s support to Bahrain and backing of the Government of Bahrain’s internal and external policies.
He said the Government of Bahrain considers the visit as a political and economic support to it, which, he affirmed, “Bahrain values highly.”
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of oil, industry, diplomacy, and human resources development, air transport, combating cyber crimes and protecting society from chemical weapons.
They also agreed to consolidate Bahrain’s position as a financial centre, and discussed Korean companies’ participation in infrastructure projects, construction and contracting sector, as well as petro-chemical and energy ones.
They also decided to expedite the opening of a Bahraini embassy in Seoul.
HRH Premier hailed his Korean counterpart’s visit as the first of its kind since the launch of diplomatic relations and concurs with the re-opening of the Korean Embassy in Manama.
He voiced pride in the visit, expressing hope that it will contribute to bolstering bilateral ties further.
He stressed the need to push bilateral cooperation further and follow up on the implementation of what has been agreed on during bilateral talks, because it represents a new beginning in joint relations.
He praised the advanced level of joint cooperation and coordination on regional and global issues of mutual concern, expressing Bahrain’s appreciation of friendly Korea’s constant support for it at international gatherings.
He expressed Bahrain’s keenness to increase its cooperation with Korea in the security, education, vocational training, health and renewable energy.
He said the memoranda of understanding to be signed between the two countries would provide a suitable framework for consolidating bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation.
He lauded the constructive role played by Korean companies in the fields of infrastructure, and transfer of technological expertise and knowledge, welcoming the establishment of a Joint Bahraini-Korean Friendship Committees in the two countries so as to be means to achieve common goals and strengthen common bonds.
He expressed hope that the visit and the fruitful talks during it will launch a new phase of friendly relations.
He wished his Korean counterpart and his accompanying delegation a happy stay in Bahrain.
During the same talks, the two countries agreed to strengthen the outstanding bilateral ties and enhance joint cooperation and coordination vis-à-vis regional issues of mutual interest.
The two sides signed three memoranda of understanding, in the presence of the two countries Prime Minister.
The first one, signed by Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, on behalf of Bahrain, and CEO of S1Yun Jin-hyuk, on behalf of the Korean side, was on the establishment of a security command in urban areas and a control centre with the Interior Ministry.
The second MoU was in the field of trade, industry and investment, and it was signed by the Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Hassan bin Abdulla Fakhro, on behalf of Bahrain and Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Mr. Jin Hyun Han, on behalf of the Korean side.
The two countries also signed a third MoU on Cooperation in the Education and Vocational Training, signed by the Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, on behalf of the Kingdom, and the Deputy CEO of Human Resources Development Service of Korea for Competency Development, on behalf of the Korea side.
Then, HRH Premier hosted a luncheon in honour of his Korean counterpart and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Speaker of the Representatives Council, Chairman of the Shura Council, ministers, officials, businessmen, journalists and media figures.