Manama: The president of India’s main opposition Congress party has been received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, officials say.
Rahul Gandhi was making his first visit abroad since being elected as head of Congress on December 11.
An official statement said Prince Salman and Rahul Gandhi discussed Bahrain-India ties and highlighted the importance of continuing to build on solid foundations to advance collaboration across various areas and sectors.
They highlighted opportunities to advance cooperation, while recognising the importance of increasing productivity and employment opportunities for youths.
They also emphasised the significance of strengthening long-term development and fiscal security across the region and discussed areas of shared interest.
The meeting highlighted Bahrain’s innovative labour market, which enables the Indian community in the Kingdom to continue making positive contributions to Bahrain’s long-term development, the statement added.
Rahul was also received by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa who praised the progress of the long-standing relations between the two countries, saying that it reflected their keenness to broaden cooperation at various levels.
Addressing a gathering of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the capital Manama, the Congress leader highlighted his ambition for the party in the future.
According to Indian media, Rahul is the 16th president of the Congress since India’s independence and the sixth from the Nehru-Gandhi clan to lead the party. He was up to his election last month the vice-president of the party, a post he held since 2013.
