Dominica Prime Minister discusses bilateral ties with Bahrain Crown Prince

Dominica: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit convened a virtual bilateral meeting with Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of Bahrain on Monday, April 20, 2021. The meeting advanced discussion on finalizing Diplomatic Relations between Dominica and Bahrain and explored topics of mutual interest such as Climate Change, Infrastructural Development, Tourism and Information and Technology. Prime Minister Skerrit told His Royal Highness Prince Salman that with Dominica as a Bilateral Partner, Bahrain is assured of a true friend and of a friendship based on mutual trust and respect. Prime Minister Skerrit who is also the current Chair of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), expressed that given the fact that Bahrain is a new partner to the Caribbean, Dominica would be willing to take on the role of introducing that country to the broader Caribbean region. To activate this relationship, Prime Minister Skerrit encouraged the Prime Minister of Bahrain to consider the appointment of a Non-Resident Ambassador to CARICOM.

In expressing gratitude for the dialogue, His Royal Highness Prince Salman confirmed that this was the first such formal engagement Bahrain has had with a leader from the Caribbean. He reiterated the benefits of collaboration between small states on global platforms championing matters of mutual interest and pledged his commitment to partner with Dominica on its scheduled side-event being tabled for COP-26, to be held later this year in Ireland.

Prince Salman spoke of Bahrain’s history and experience in port design and development as well as Bahrain’s revolutionized IT sector, which has made it a leader in Maritime Affairs and ship tracking and expressed his readiness to assist Dominica to improve and build capacity in these areas.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 small islands situated in the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.3 million with over two-thirds of the population living on the main island Manama. Bahrain is considered the most-free economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. Refined petroleum remains Bahrain’s top export, representing 44% of its total exports. Bahrain is now renowned for its banking, finance, and tourism sectors which have been active since the late 20th century. 79% of the workforce is in industry, commerce, and services; 20% is in the government; and 1 percent in agriculture.

Foreign Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux and Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mrs Barbara Dailey completed Dominica’s Delegation, While His Royal Highness Prince Salman’s delegation included the Foreign Minister, Minister for Finance and other senior members of staff.

Both Prime Minister’s agreed to work together to build a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive relationship and to develop and strengthen exchanges at all levels.