“We have an Arab and historic conflict with Israel as there is a people that have been chased out of its lands and we are endeavouring to establish its Palestinian state, whereas we have diplomatic relations with Iran as a significant neighbour. We do not place the two countries at the same level under any label,” Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, told a Press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama.
“Bahrain’s relations with the international community are not built on provisional regional alliances and does not place Iran and Israel in the same category,” the foreign minister said.
The Minister who was during a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu in the Bahraini capital Manama said that Bahrain was keen on positive relations based on good neighbourliness, mutual respect and non-interference in the domestic affairs of between Bahrain, Iran and the other countries.
“We do not change allies like we are in a market. We look for stability with our neighbours,” he said.
Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain welcomed Iran’s nuclear agreement with the world powers to keep it in check.
“This is an important agreement that will eventually serve stability and defuse any imminent crisis.”
Shaikh Khalid expressed hope the agreement would help banish the spectre of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and end concerns about the existence of such weapons be they in Iran or any other state in the region.
The Minister denied claims that Bahrain had concerns about Iran striking a nuclear deal with the 5+1 world power countries, saying there is a new beginning to restore stability and calm to the region.
Referring to the Bahraini Turkish relations, he said that Manama and Ankara had well-anchored ties that have developed throughout the times and in the political, economic, cultural and tourism areas.
“Turkey is highly significant to us and we look forward to developing our relations in all fields,” Shaikh Khalid said.
The Minister said that Bahrain was grateful to Turkey for its support in confronting the events that had occurred in the kingdom, adding that Ankara was among the capitals that stressed the sovereignty of the country and rejected any form of interference in its internal affairs.
“Bahrain deeply valued the Turkish stances,” he added.
Shaikh Khalid said that he was optimistic about expanding the strategic relations between Manama and Ankara and that the establishment of the strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Turkey would help make views more convergent and achieve common and mutual interests.
The Minister referred to the impressive jump in the number of Bahraini tourists from 3,000 a few years ago to 14,000 last year, saying that the number will keep on increasing. “The Gulf-Turkey business council will next convene in Bahrain in February,” he said.
Shaikh Khalid said that his talks with his Turkish counterpart covered bilateral relations, mainly on political, economic and cultural issues.
At the regional level, he added, the Syrian crisis topped the agenda.
Bahrain expressed its support to the Turkish efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, especially that Turkey is hosting the largest number of Syrians as well as the Syrian National Coalition, he said.
Shaikh Khalid added there was a need for a strong position to help fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people, end the bloodshed and provide the necessary assistance.
Other issues that the two sides reviewed included regional security, relations between countries in the region and Iran’s nuclear programme, he said.
Shaikh Khalid said that he expressed appreciation to Turkey for its role in reinforcing stability and security in the region.
Davutoglu said that Turkey was keen on developing its relations with Bahrain in all fields and praised the efforts adopted by Bahrain’s rulers in holding the National Dialogue as a way to improve its peace and prosperity.
The prosperity of Bahrain is the backbone of stability in the region, he said, adding that the reconvening of the dialogue and its success ensures a bright future for Bahrain.
Relations between Bahrain and Turkey cover a vast span of economic, cultural, political and diplomatic areas, he added.
“The visit of His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Turkey has resulted in enhancing political, economic, as well as strategic and defence relations between the two countries,” Davutoglu said.
The Turkish official said that Bahrain is a good example of peace, tolerance and coexistence between all religions and sects.