BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINISTER: WE SUPPORT PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO KARABAKH CONFLICT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2007

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa had both
privte and large meeting with Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in
Baku. The Ministers held briefing, APA reports.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said the meeting focused
on the expansion of relations on economic and humanitarian fields.

According to him, experts of the two countries will work on drafting
documents on eliminating double taxation, mutual investment as well
as laying air line between Azerbaijan and Bahrain and holding days of
culture. Saying that Bahrain is the biggest financial center Foreign
Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa proposed opening one of
the branches of Azerbaijan banks in his country.

The Two parries agreed on holding days of culture both in Azerbaijan
and Bahrain. Bahraini Foreign Minister invited "Leyli and Majnun"
opera company to visit Bahrain. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
said it was his second visit to Baku. His first visit took place during
the Conference of Council of Foreign Ministers of Islamic Countries.

Shaikh proposed to establish board of the businessmen of two
countries. According to him in result of talks the sides decided to
establish Azerbaijan -Bahrain Industrial- Commerce Chamber. Bahraini
Minister said his country supported Azerbaijan’s position and peaceful
solution on the conflict. The Minister said Bahrain never supported
occupation of territories of other states and condemns ethnic cleansing
policy. He said he debated Iran’s nuclear issue with his Azerbaijani
counterpart.

"Both Bahrain and Azerbaijan consider that military option on the
settlement of this problem can have bad results for the Caucasus
region".

Commenting on Azerbaijan’s position on the Israel-Palestine problem
Bahraini Foreign Minister said Azerbaijan’s takes fair position and
supports Arabic world.