MANAMA: Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa affirmed Bahrain’s adopted policy of consolidating relations with countries that share common denominators and goals. He underlined the importance of constant cooperation with the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), being one of the most important economic and trading blocs in the world.
He was addressing a ceremony hosted by the Foreign Ministry marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Singapore.
The ceremony was attended by Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, of the Republic of Singapore.
“Over the past three decades, our two countries have developed a close and deep friendship which, in many ways, has grown out of the many similarities between us,” Shaikh Khalid said in his speech.
“We share a long tradition of enterprise and commerce, and we have both sought to overcome our relatively limited size and resources through openness to the world as we extend the hand of friendship and mutual respect to our neighbours and beyond.
“We share a conviction of the need to uphold international law and legitimacy, and to protect fundamental rights and freedoms and perhaps most importantly, we both recognize the value of our people as our most important asset and resource, and have committed ourselves to providing high quality education, training and employment to our citizens.
“I would like to say a few words on the passing of one of the great visionary leaders of the 20th century, Lee Kuan Yew. Not only did Lee Kuan Yew build a nation, he gave all of us hope of brighter futures and showed the world how tolerance, inclusivity, meritocracy, and justice can transform a society into one of the world’s most important nation states. We will never forget Lee Kuan Yew’s visits to Bahrain in 1978 and again in 2008, and all his efforts in developing the strong ties between our two nations. He will be sorely missed.
“As Minister of Foreign Affairs, it has been my pleasure to observe and be part of our growing bilateral cooperation in these and many other fields. Singapore and Bahrain jointly developed the idea to form the ASEAN-GCC partnership through which we know hold annual high-level ministerial meetings and workshops. During my visit to Singapore last June, I was delighted to open the ASEAN-GCC Workshop jointly with my dear colleague K Shanmugam the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to address your prestigious Middle East Institute, and to sign a Memorandum on bilateral consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, I was able to witness for myself your country’s tremendous development and achievements, and to understand the outstanding potential that exists to build upon our existing sharing of expertise and experience in areas of common interest.
“I have no doubt that this deep and strong friendship will endure for many decades to come, and I look forward to working with you, Excellencies, as we promote and develop these ties in the years ahead.
“So in congratulating both countries, their governments and people on this historic anniversary, may I once again express my thanks for your kind hospitality, and underline my confidence that Bahrain-Singapore relations are in fine shape, forming the basis for ever-stronger cooperation and friendship in the future,” he said.
“Singapore-Bahrain relations go back a long way” and expressed pride that the friendship continues to grow stronger with each passing year,” Masagos Zulkifli said.
“Bilateral trade increased by an astounding 325% over the past 10 years to $455 million in 2014,” he said. “There is scope for greater growth, especially after the coming into force of the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Singapore (GSFTA).
“The GSFTA provides an excellent springboard for Singapore and Bahrain businesses to increase cooperation and build business connections in our respective regions. Singapore companies based in Bahrain have benefited from its central location from which they have explored opportunities in the wider Gulf and MENA region.
“Similarly, 20 Bahraini companies are registered in Singapore and have benefited from the access to the many opportunities in Asia, particularly the dynamic Southeast Asia region. Singapore and Bahrain have established themselves as financial centres in our respective regions.
“In recognition of the synergy between our two hubs, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has worked closely with the Central Bank of Bahrain to strengthen our financial linkages. MAS has actively participated in Bahrain’s premier World Islamic Banking Conference since 2008.
“Our people-to-people linkages are also growing. In 2014, we recorded 4,113 tourist arrivals from Bahrain. This is a modest figure, but I am confident that we will receive more Bahraini tourists to Singapore.
“I am equally confident, especially after this visit that more Singaporeans will want to experience for themselves Bahrain’s culture and attractions. Cooperation between our officials has also expanded.
“To date, more than 233 Bahraini officials have attended courses organised under the Singapore Cooperation Programme in areas such as urban development, information technology and civil aviation. At the initiative of Shaikh Khalid, Singapore has also conducted six customised protocol-training courses for officials from the Bahrain Foreign Ministry and Court of the Crown Prince. The personal friendships forged in these exchanges have promoted mutual understanding of each other’s experiences and best practices,” he said.
The Singaporean minister said his country was keen on strengthening friendly ties with Bahrain.
“On this note, I would like to convey my deep appreciation to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman for sending his son, Shaikh Isa, to represent Bahrain at Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s [the founding Prime Minister] Lying-in-State,” he said.