Iran's continuous interference in the internal affairs of other countries is causing concern to Canada, said a top official, adding that the Persian state was a threat to the region and its nuclear programme "destructive".

"We, like countries in this region and elsewhere, are very concerned over Iran's nuclear ambitions and we believe it is a threat to stability and security,” Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, who held talks with Bahrain's Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa yesterday, was quoted as saying in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"The regime in Iran should refrain from interfering in other countries' affairs and follow International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines on nuclear issues."

Baird was speaking during a Press conference held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, where he discussed furthering co-operation between the two countries.

He also held talks with His Majesty King Hamad and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

"We have a lot of agreement on most issues of international importance and we agree on the need to further enhance regional and international security," he said.

"We are taking all steps possible to ensure we are at the forefront of establishing international peace and security and we are the first country to have expelled the Iranian ambassador. We, also, support Bahrain's branding of Hizbollah as a terrorist organisation and we hope other nations in the region follow Bahrain's example."

Baird said dialogue was the only way forward in Bahrain, adding his government welcomed the ongoing process that, he hoped, would solve several key issues.

Baird also spoke about the situation in Syria and said it was deplorable that the regime was killing its own people.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid said he had fruitful talks with his Canadian counterpart and agreed on several issues.

"We have pledged to increase bilateral trade and investments and are working to set up more mechanisms," he said.

He also revealed that, in the future, Canada could have an embassy in Bahrain. "We are two friendly countries and under the circumstances, anything is possible. This relationship can only go further," he added. – TradeArabia News Service