MANAMA, Bahrain --
The Philippines and Bahrain underscored the importance of expanding relations with the
Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) as well as strengthening ties with the Asia Cooperation Dialogue during the state
visit here of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
In a joint statement issued following the
President’s two-day visit, which ended Monday, both countries agreed to benefit from
Bahrain as a regional center to distribute the products and services of Philippine
companies in the region, and facilities offered by the Kingdom of Bahrain for private
companies operating in the offshore, insurance and banking sectors.
The first meeting of the Bahrain-Philippines Joint
High Commission to follow-up their agreements to develop bilateral relations will be
convened next year.
The President and His Majesty King Shaikh Hamad bin
Isa Al Khalifa agreed to increase the bilateral trade by exchanging visits between
officials and businessmen, organizing and participating in specialized exhibitions and
supporting efforts to facilitate all forms of transport, in addition to strengthening
cooperation between stock exchanges.
