French President Emmanuel Macron and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met Tuesday for more than an hour at the Élysée Palace as part of the King’s official visit to Paris.
The King and the French President reviewed regional issues and the future of stability in the Middle East, saying that peace is imminent despite the challenges. They also emphasized the need for concerted efforts to handle current obstacles and dangers.
They also underlined the importance of sustainable stability in the Arabian Gulf, which requires Gulf countries and their allies to take firm action against terrorism and all forms of interference in their affairs, Bahrain’s news agency BNA reported Tuesday.
It said both leaders also stressed the need to respect the countries' independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to serve international peace and security.
King Hamad and Macron also tackled the progress of bilateral work, which underscores keenness to further boost bilateral relations through the signing of many memoranda of understanding and agreements in various fields.
King Hamad stressed the kingdom's unwavering commitment to working with its partners, including France, to promote tolerance and rapprochement between all peoples. He also expressed Manama’s resolve to continue the path of development to achieve the aspirations of the Bahraini people.
The King also voiced solidarity with France after the fire that engulfed the historic tower of Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral.
The monarch was accompanied by a large delegation, including ministers who held meetings with their French counterparts.
Bahrain and France signed a number of cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding in several fields, including education and the training of Bahraini specialist doctors in France.
Bahraini Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, met with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. They agreed on the need to strengthen coordination and exchange views on regional and international issues to support efforts aimed at consolidating peace, security and development in the region.
