Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met with Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Jaishankar conveyed condolences on the passing away of his father HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was the prime minister of Bahrain until his death on November 11. He recalled HRH Prince Khalifa’s role in strengthening India-Bahrain relations as Prime Minister of Bahrain for more than 50 years.
Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bahrain, also called on the newly-appointed Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to wish him on his recent appointment on behalf of Indian PM Narendra Modi.
Jaishankar reached the Gulf Kingdom on November 24 and started his visit with a warm meeting with his Bahraini counterpart Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Jaishankar said that he discussed regional and international issues with Al Zayani and also thanked him for taking care of the Indian community amid the ongoing health pandemic.
“Bahrain’s leadership appreciated the contribution of the Indian community to the development of Bahrain and the assistance provided by India during the Covid pandemic through the supply of medicines, medical equipment, and medical professionals. Both sides affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-related cooperation. They also expressed satisfaction on operationalisation of Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.