Putin and Bahraini King discuss trade developments, Iran ties
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During their meeting in Moscow, the King of Bahrain and the Russian president discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, the consensus among Arab countries on holding a peace conference for the Middle East, and Bahrain's support for normalizing relations with Iran.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa gesture during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 23, 2024. (AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Moscow, on Thursday, where the two discussed several issues.
During his meeting with the King of Bahrain, President Putin revealed positive trends in developing trade cooperation between the two countries.
Putin underscored that while "the level of trade ties, their nature is symbolic. However, the trends are positive. As far as investment cooperation is concerned the situation is more favorable here. Around 30 major projects are being implemented. The package is totally worth around $500 mln."
Moreover, the Russian president added, "We have good contacts through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and our positions are close on many issues on the international agenda."
In turn, the Bahraini King said, "We signed a number of agreements on various issues today," adding that Bahrain "has a strong desire to develop cooperation and its tools in all fields and at all levels."
Issues pertaining to Gaza, the Arab world, and Iran
Additionally, during his conversation with Putin, the King of Bahrain said, "The Arab world is in complete agreement on the need to hold a peace conference regarding the Middle East issue," adding that "for the first time, the Arab world shows a consensus in calling for an end to the war in Gaza at the Arab summit."
He pointed out, "There is complete understanding and agreement on the need to hold a peaceful international conference. Russia will be the first country I will turn to for support in this initiative because Russia plays an important role, can promote it, and has great authority worldwide. I hope this conference will take place in Bahrain."
He noted that Bahrain supports normalizing relations with Iran. The King said, "We hope to foster good relations among all countries in the region, especially with Iran, given our past issues. Currently, those problems have been almost entirely resolved. Therefore, there is no reason to postpone the normalization agreement and enhancement of relations, particularly with Iran. Our shared history, mutual visits, and the potential for increased trade and improved living standards make this a positive goal if we can achieve it."
Strengthening alliance with Muslim nations is a priority: Lavrov
Last year, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that improving ties with Muslim countries was a top priority for Moscow in light of the shared perspectives on political and socioeconomic issues.
Lavrov had attended a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group with ambassadors from OIC member states earlier today.
"Russia … maintains good, honest, and mutually respectful relations with the countries of the Islamic world. Their further strengthening is among the constant priorities of Russian foreign policy. We are united by our commitment to the cultural and civilizational diversity of the peoples of the planet and their right to determine their own paths of political, social, and economic development," Lavrov said.
Russia and Muslim countries, according to Lavrov, support the creation of a multipolar world that is more just and democratic according to the tenets of the UN charter.
Read more: Iran welcomes Arab League summit calling for an end to Israeli crimes
