1. Deputy Foreign
Minister for Political Affairs Yeo Seung-bae and Undersecretary for Political
Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain H.E.
Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held the 4th Policy Consultations between
the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Bahrain in Seoul on April 1, and
exchanged views on the ROK-Bahrain bilateral relations and ways to enhance
substantive cooperation between the two countries.
2. Both sides appreciated
that the two countries have steadily enhanced economic cooperation since the
establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976 and agreed to expand bilateral
cooperation to new frontiers such as health and environment.
◦ Both sides agreed on the
need to expand high-level visits between the two countries once the COVID-19
situation improves.
◦ Deputy Minister Yeo
explained that Korean companies have contributed to the establishment of
Bahrain’s national infrastructure and requested Bahrain’s continued interest
and support to ensure that Korean companies continue to take part in
construction and infrastructure projects in Bahrain.
◦ Undersecretary Abdulla
expressed Bahrain’s hope to strengthen cooperation in the area of health, especially
to further bilateral cooperation in promoting the exchange of medical personnel
and establishing the national health care system.
◦ Deputy Minister Yeo
appreciated Bahrain’s declaration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and the
country’s efforts to tackle climate change. Deputy Minister Yeo also welcomed
Bahrain’s accession to the GGGI (Global Green Growth Institute) and hoped that
the two countries would further cooperate in accomplishing an inclusive global
green transition.
3. Furthermore, the
two sides also shared their views on regional issues. Deputy Minister Yeo
appreciated Bahrain’s unwavering support for the denuclearization and
establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. Deputy Minister Yeo asked
the Bahraini side for its continued support for the Korean government’s efforts
in this regard after explaining the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula.
4. The 4th
ROK-Bahrain Policy Consultations served as an opportunity for the Foreign
Ministries of the two countries to discuss issues regarding the bilateral
relations and ways to expand substantial cooperation between the Republic of Korea
and the Kingdom of Bahrain.