Manama, Aug. 6. (BNA) – Speaker of the Representatives Council Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani has affirmed the crucial role played by diplomats in consolidating the kingdom’s relations with the European Union (EU) countries, particularly France, be it at the official or popular levels and in various parliamentary and legislative levels.

He made the remarks as he received here today the outgoing French Ambassador to Bahrain Christian Testot, and wished him every success in future diplomatic assignments.

Al Dhahrani lauded the advanced level of the Bahraini-French relations and the steady growth of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and parliamentary fields.

He also reviewed with the Ambassador the current Middle East issues and the diplomatic and parliamentary efforts of the two friendly countries to deal with them and coordinate on them, within the GCC council.

Ambassador Testot expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Speaker of the Representatives Council for all his efforts to strengthen joint Bahraini-French parliamentary cooperation.

He lauded the development and progress witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Reform Project, expressing delight at representing his country in Bahrain.

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BNA 1310 GMT 2014/08/06