This Web page has been archived on the Web

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Baird Visits Bahrain

April 3, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“I thank His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and my counterpart, His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, for their robust engagement on issues of concern to this region.

“I was pleased to learn of progress on the National Dialogue, which is meant to ease sectarian tensions and advance the rights of all Bahrainis. Frank and constructive dialogue between the government and the nation’s young people is especially crucial for Bahrain as it works toward stability, prosperity and pluralism.

“I again applauded Bahrain for recently listing Hezbollah as the terrorist organization it is. Bahrain, like other Gulf states, faces a significant threat from Iran’s nuclear intransigence, military posturing and support for terrorism. Canada stands by Bahrain and its neighbours in their quest for a stable, secure and prosperous future. I also want to thank Bahrain for its position on the 2012 UN Security Council resolution on human rights in Iran.

“Canada and Bahrain can share a growing commercial relationship that will benefit both countries by jointly focusing on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We are already applying the air transport agreement concluded last year, and we will also be taking steps to bring a tax information exchange agreement into force in the near future.”

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI