'Respect for human rights in Bahrain based on equality

The Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri met the Permanent Representative of Switzerland, Ambassador Valentin Zellweger, the Permanent Representative of Montenegro, Ambassador Milorad Scepanovic, the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic, Ambassador Jan K?ra, the Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Antje Leendertse, and the Permanent Representative of Lithuania, Ambassador Andrius Krivas, Individually on the sidelines of his participation at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

During the meeting, the Assistant Foreign Minister expressed his honour and appreciation of the friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Switzerland, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Lithuania, viewing ways to strengthen these relations and expand cooperation in the common interests of the friendly countries.

The Assistant Foreign Minister affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has accomplished pioneering achievements in respect for human rights and freedoms, political participation, peaceful expression of opinion and the establishment of the foundations of equality, justice and the rule of law.

Al Doseri said that the progress and development achieved by the Kingdom of Bahrain in all fields of human rights comes from its deep belief in humanitarian principles and religious values and its approach to building a civil state, as well as its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with the principles of the National Action Charter and the provisions of the Constitution and universal human rights standards.

The Assistant Foreign Minister pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain guarantees citizens the freedom of conscience and the exercise of religious rites, protecting the right to express opinion, scientific research, the press and the media.

The Assistant Foreign Minister said that what was mentioned in the speech of the Qatari Foreign Minister at the current session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva is not true to the reality of the crisis and is based on incorrect foundations and information, affirming that the measures taken by the four countries are legitimate and are not to be called a "siege" but a boycott.

The Ambassadors praised relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Switzerland, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Germany and Lithuania, affirming their countries' keenness to strengthen relations and opportunities for cooperation with the Kingdom to achieve further prosperity and progress among friendly countries.

Source : BNA