Manama: Bahrain has reiterated its pledge to uphold the labour, security and safety rights of all communities living in the country, the foreign minister has said.
"The kingdom is keen on the rights of all residents, both citizens and expatriates," Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa said. "Bahrain will do its utmost to ease the living conditions of Indians and all other communities living in the country," the minister said at a reception organised for the Supreme Head of the Indian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Maron Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II hosted on Friday evening.
In a short speech, Shaikh Khalid welcomed the visit of the top religious figure and hailed the "deep-rooted friendship between Bahrain and India."
He said that India sets an ideal model of the peaceful coexistence between the different religions, cultures, and ethnicities that made up the Indian society.
The Indian community is the largest in Bahrain and makes up almost half of the 550,000 foreigners living in the country. Most of its members are unskilled labourers, working mainly in the construction sector.
Bahrain, an overwhelmingly Muslim country,has a small native Christian population. One of its most prominent members, Alice Samaan, a former upper chamber member, is now Bahrain's ambassador in London. Huda Noono, Bahrain's ambassador in Washington, is a member of the local Jewish community that has less than 50 members.
