Bahrain's economic and investment links with the Philippines were given a massive boost yesterday (October 1).

The Premier, who is on an official visit to the country, held talks with President Benigno Aquino at the Presidential Palace, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa agreed with the Philippines President on the need to bolster joint co-operation in health by exchanging expertise.

The two sides discussed consolidating bilateral co-operation in vocational training - given Bahrain government's constant interest in upgrading human resources in the kingdom - and agriculture, in line with the government's policies to achieve food security.

The Philippines President reiterated his country's rejection of all forms of terrorism and voiced support for the efforts of Bahrain and the international community to combat it.

He lauded the way Bahrain government, led by the Premier, had dealt with events that the kingdom has gone through, reflecting the wisdom and farsightedness of the Bahraini leader.

He congratulated the Premier on the announcement of the date of parliamentary elections which would augur a new chapter of national action in Bahrain.

The Premier's visit to the Philippines is in line with his keen interest to strengthen bridges of co-operation with East Asian countries given the important economic and political weight of the Asean group.

Meanwhile, Bahrain and the Philippines have agreed on the need to activate bilateral ties for the sake of achieving common interests.

They also discussed mechanisms to activate the agreements signed between them in various fields, particularly regarding efforts to encourage trade, investment, and the possibility of exchanging expertise.

The Philippines President expressed his country's desire to avail of Bahrain's strategic location and distinguished economic and financial status to boost economic and trade links with the GCC countries.

The Premier and the Philippines President underlined the crucial role of the private sector in both countries to boost co-operation.

They also stressed the need to consolidate bilateral relations among Asian countries, particularly in economic and investment fields, given their huge potential to build an effective model of partnership.

The Premier praised the contribution of the Filipino community to Bahrain's development process, thanks to their competence and distinguished skills, affirming the government's constant desire to ensure security and safety of all expatriate communities. - TradeArabia News Service