His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister met the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird at the Ritz Carlton in Manama.
His Royal Highness welcomed Minister Baird to Bahrain and to the event, giving recognition to the invaluable contribution he will bring to discussions. He noted the consistent commitment the Government of Canada has had towards the event, which can play an important role in meeting people’s demands for greater prosperity, by ensuring that they have the necessary security to pursue opportunities.
His Royal Highness went on to pay tribute to Canada’s role in supporting improved stability in the region and in enhanced security globally. He also noted Canada’s appreciation of the programme of reform and development in Bahrain.
Discussing bilateral relations, His Royal Highness expressed his gratitude for Canada’s interest in strengthening ties with Bahrain across many spheres and highlighted how the relationship has grown through new collaboration and co-ordination, including on issues of global security and human rights.
Wider regional and global issues were then discussed, including several of the main agenda topics at this year’s Manama Dialogue. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue, taking place this week from 6 – 8 December in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ahead of Minister Baird’s participation in the event.