Canada backs Bahrain against Iranian threats

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird today voiced his country's deep concerns over flagrant human rights violations in Iran. Speaking in a press conference held this evening at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Manama, he backed Bahrain's stance calling for Lebanese Hezbollah militia to be designated as a terror organisation. He pointed out that his country is coordinating with the Kingdom of Bahrain to maintain regional security and stability in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf. The Canadian minister expressed to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa his country's deep concerns over Iranian flagrant interference in Bahrain's internal affairs. Meanwhile Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa welcomed his Canadian counterpart who held talks with HM the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. Shaikh Khalid commended the Canadian Government for its role in maintaining security and stability in the Middle East, particularly the Arabian Gulf region. He stressed the important role of Canada as a member of the naval taskforce in charge of protecting the Arabian Gulf territorial waters. He paid tribute to Canada for supporting the distressed Syrian refugees, providing assistance to Yemen and contributing to the reconstruction of war-torn Afghanistan. Shaikh Khalid stressed joint stances regarding the dangers and threats confronting the region, particularly the controversial Iranian nuclear programme and Tehran regime's interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region as well as Iran's harbouring of terror organisations. The Canadian minister paid tribute to HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince, hailing good relations bonding both countries. He stressed his country's stance in support of the ongoing national consensus dialogue and the measures undertaken to promote human rights and implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). Talks focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation in the sectors of education, health and technology.