Pres. Aquino receives Bahraini Prime Minister in courtesy call

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Prince Khalifa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain during a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday. The Bahraini prince has served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain since its independence in 1971.

He is the second son of the former ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the uncle of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The Philippines and Bahrain established their formal diplomatic ties in 1978 but prior to that, the people and governments of both countries have interacted closely on all fronts and at all levels of cooperation. Bahrain is host to 40,000 Filipino workers and its government has implemented programs and policies that are beneficial to the Filipino community.

On the economic front, Bahrain ranks as the Philippines’ 79th trading partner, 65th export market, and 101st import supplier.

Philippine exports to Bahrain include aviation fuel, aircraft parts, household machines, and pasta. Imports from the kingdom include aluminum alloys, motor cars and other motor vehicles, plastic trunks, and woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers.

The Bahraini Prime Minister was accompanied by his sons, Sheikh Khalifa bin Rashed Al Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Khalifa.

The Prime Minister’s economic advisor, Abdullah Hasan Saif, was also present.

Joining President Aquino were National Economic and Development Authority Deputy Director General Margarita Songco, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Julius Torres, and Special Envoy of the President to the Gulf Cooperation Council Amable Aguiluz. (PCOO News Release)