Bahrain is a stable and reliable partner and supports Cyprus on many issues, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades said on Sunday, following a meeting at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Larnaca with Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
He added that the Bahraini Minister’s visit to the island presents an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in the operation of ports and airports.
On his part, Dr. Al Khalifa stated that Cyprus has always been a reliable partner, noting that the goal of the meeting was to enhance the bilateral partnership between the Kingdon of Bahrein and the Republic of Cyprus in the fields of transportation, the fields of shipping and telecommunications.
Speaking after the meeting, Vafeades said that ‘it was an excellent opportunity to discuss how we can expand the scope of our cooperation. Bahrain is a stable and reliable partner that supports Cyprus on many issues, and through the visit of the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, we have the chance to explore new ways and new opportunities for collaboration, particularly regarding the operation and management of ports and airports.’
He added that ‘we see that friendly countries can find ways to cooperate, to improve the quality of life of their citizens by working together and exploring areas that can add value to each country. That, I believe, is the essence of meetings like this.’
When asked whether any agreements had been signed with the Bahraini Minister, Vafeades said none has been signed yet, but ‘we intend to explore ways to strengthen our cooperation.’
Referring to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, the Minister said that ‘Cyprus can be proud of and showcase its position as a country committed to saving lives and providing assistance to those in need. This is something that other countries also value and wish to learn from, in order to adopt our best practices.’
On his part, Dr. Al Khalifa described the meeting with Vafeades as ‘very productive,’ noting that it aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation between Bahrain and Cyprus in transport, shipping, and telecommunications.
He added that part of the discussion was to be informed about the work and operations of JRCC. He praised the Center’s operations, noting that it is ‘a very strategic location within the Mediterranean,’ and commended Cyprus for its support of the Palestinian people through the establishment of the humanitarian corridor.
Dr. Al Khalifa also stated that ‘we have full faith in the continuous dedication of Cyprus through the JRCC and through various Ministries and agencies to enhance regional and international cooperation, but also through providing the necessary support to the people of Palestine”.
He continued by saying that “we are very much eager to enhance our bilateral relations between Bahrein and Cyprus in the field of search and rescue, the practice and accumulative expertise that we have seen here in JRCC are truly recommendable, and practice that we have a lot to engage with, and to further enhance the partnership between the institution and cooperation through our Ministries but also through the technical cooperation between the two teams from Bahrein and here in Cyprus”.
Following the meeting, the Bahraini Minister was briefed by the JRCC Commander and staff on the Center’s operations and on the training program for Bahraini officers at the training facility.