Following directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, his economic affairs adviser Abdulla Saif represented Bahrain at the seventh World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Kazakhstan.

The forum was held under the theme 'Global economic development: relationship, competition, partnership'.

Kazakh Premier Karim Massimov, Middle East and Islamic World leaders and more than 2,000 key businessmen from all over the world are attending the event being held at capital Astana.

On the sidelines, Saif met Kazakh Deputy Premier and Industry and New Technology Minister Aset Isekeshev, in the presence of Kazakh Finance Minister and representatives of Kazakh economic institutions, and discussed ways of bolstering co-operation at all levels, especially in economic and Islamic banking.

Saif said Bahrain is looking forward to enhancing co-operation and exchanging expertise with friendly Kazakhstan, calling upon the businessmen of both countries to take advantage of the economic and investment opportunities.

Isekeshev praised the progress and development Bahrain is witnessing at all levels, expressing his country's keen desire to strengthen ties and open up new co-operation horizons, especially in the economic and trade sectors.

Saif also met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak and reviewed ways of enhancing ties at all levels. Mr Abdul Razak hailed HRH the Premier's efforts to enhance relations.

Ways of bolstering outstanding Bahraini-Lebanese ties were also discussed during Saif's meeting with former premier Fuad Al Sanyoura.

They stressed the need to consolidate joint Arab action, especially in the economic and commercial fields.-TradeArabia News Service