Manama: Russia has a major part to play in ensuring future peace in the Middle East, Bahrain’s new envoy to the country predicts.
Former MP Ahmed Al Saati was appointed as the new ambassador to Russia last week by His Majesty King Hamad, who also named Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar Abdullah and Dr Bahia Jawad Al Jishi as envoys to the UK, France and Belgium, respectively.
Describing Russia as a “strategically important ally of Bahrain”, Mr Al Saati said that he was honoured to be entrusted with such a role and considered the appointment a “huge responsibility”.
“Enhancing bilateral ties with Russia will be a top priority,” he told the GDN.
“We already share excellent ties in many aspects such as politics, culture and trade, but it is important we establish better economic ties, as this is significant for the safety and security of the region.”
Russia, as a member of the UN Security Council, “plays a major role in maintaining peace in the region”, said Mr Al Saati, who pledged to ensure that its regional initiatives would enjoy Bahrain’s full support.
“Over the past four years, Russia has been very supportive of Bahrain, especially in its stance at the UN Human Rights Council, which must be appreciated,” he said.
“As we know, peace and stability is what is needed now in the region and hence my aim will be to ensure that Bahrain supports all Russia’s initiatives in every way possible so that the GCC nations, and Bahrain in particular, can benefit.”
Mr Al Saati, who was a member of the Bahrain-Russia Friendship Society during his time in parliament from 2011 to last year, said his particular focus as ambassador would be on “trade and economic relations”.
This follows on from the visit by a high-level Bahraini business delegation to Russia in April last year, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, First Deputy Premier and Economic Development Board chairman.
A two-day forum on trade ties between Russia and the GCC, organised by the Russian Trade and Industry Ministry, was subsequently held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa in December.
“While we look forward to celebrating 25 years of bilateral ties between Bahrain and Russia next year, I hope that many of the proposed economic projects signed between the two nations last year will materialise,” said Mr Al Saati.
“The Russian delegation at the Manama Dialogue in October, the team from the Capital Governorate visiting St Petersburg in October, the Russian team at the Bahrain International Air Show 2016 and the ‘This is Bahrain’ roadshow that is scheduled to visit Moscow in early 2016 are all major events that I look forward to.”
During his interview with the GDN, Mr Al Saati omitted any mention of Russia’s relationship with Iran – despite the two being major trading partners.
Much of Iran’s military consists of Russian weaponry and Iran’s first nuclear power plant at Bushehr, which opened in 2011, was completed with major assistance from Russian government agency Rostatom.
Iran has been repeatedly condemned in recent months for its blatant interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs.
On Thursday, the GDN reported on Information Affairs Minister and official government spokesman Isa Al Hammadi’s assertion that Iran was ignoring diplomatic efforts to improve strained relations, adding that the Iranian government had continued to support terrorist attacks in Bahrain and around the region ever since the 1979 revolution.
raji@gdn.com.bh