OREANDA-NEWS. December 3, 2008. The talks examined trade and economic cooperation, in particular projects in the fuel and energy sector, aluminium industry, peaceful nuclear energy, modernisation of transport infrastructure, and cooperation between Russia’s and Bahrain’s leading banks. 

The two sides exchanged views on global security and the situation in the Middle East. Mr Medvedev gave a positive assessment of Bahrain’s proposal to create a regional organisation that would bring together all the countries of the Middle East and North Africa in the aim of maintaining security. The King of Bahrain supported Russia’s initiative to hold a conference on the Middle East in Moscow at the start of next year. 

The talks also looked at developing cultural and scientific exchanges and contacts between public, educational, youth and sports organisations, and tourism.

The consequences of the global financial crisis were also an important subject of discussion.

The talks concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration that reflects the specific areas in which Russia and Bahrain will develop their relations.

Mr Medvedev and King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifah made press statements following the talks.