Bahrain is prioritizing boosting economic and trade cooperation with Russia, according to the Gulf state's new ambassador to Moscow, Tawfeeq Al Mansoor.
The two countries are poised to conclude several bilateral agreements aimed at bolstering mutual cooperation in a number of fields, he told the Gulf Daily News.
The establishment of direct transport links between Bahrain and Russia is also a priority for the new envoy, who expects to leave for Moscow within the next few days, said the paper.
"Although our relations with Russia are fairly new, they are already strong," said Mansoor.
Bahrain established an embassy in Moscow in 1992.
Mansoor said he was confident Russia would re-emerge as a superpower after its current difficulties in switching from one economic system to another.
There is a lot of work to be done in promoting better co-operation between Bahrain and Russia, he said.
"We have initialed some bilateral agreements and I will be working...to have them finalized," said the envoy.
The agreements in the pipeline cover such issues as avoidance of double taxation, tourism, air transport and cooperation in the fields of culture and science.
"Economic and trade issues are our priority now," said Mansoor.
"We would like to see the private sectors of the two countries initiate business opportunities and we would like to see more exchange of officials and private sector representatives.
"One issue that is very important for me is to develop direct transportation links with Russia, as this is the basis for improving ties," added the envoy.
"Russia is also a huge market to target for Bahraini goods and services," he said, adding that "I will also focus on enhancing Bahraini exports to Russia and I am keen that an exhibition of Bahraini products be held in Moscow."
For Russia, Bahrain offers a wealth of experience in banking, and the country is an ideal gateway to the Gulf region for Russian goods, he said – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
