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Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is leading the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the 28^th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Highness, friends,

Allow me to warmly welcome all of you to Russia, to St Petersburg.

Your Highness, I am aware that you have visited our country on several occasions. If I am not mistaken, this is your first visit to St Petersburg, is that correct?

Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (retranslated): That is correct.

Vladimir Putin: I sincerely hope that both you and the members of your delegation will enjoy this city and will return here many more times.

You are leading a large delegation, and you are our guest of honour – as are all our friends from Bahrain.

At the forum, the first Russia–Bahrain Business Dialogue took place successfully and substantively, with the participation of the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, ministers, and entrepreneurs from both sides. I very much hope that this will continue in the future.

We place great value on the traditionally friendly nature of Russian-Bahraini relations. This year marks the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

Regrettably, our meeting today is taking place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in your region. We are all following with concern the developments there – no doubt we will discuss this matter further. In this regard, I fully understand the significant workload that falls on your shoulders as National Security Adviser.

Despite your demanding schedule, you are here among us, and there is nothing more gratifying for us. This serves as the best confirmation of Bahrain’s commitment to developing its relations with the Russian Federation.

I have warm memories of last year’s productive talks with your father, His Majesty the King [of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa], held in the Kremlin in May 2024. They were highly substantive, and I recall your participation in those talks as well.

We engaged in a detailed exchange on a wide range of issues: trade and economic cooperation, financial and investment ties, as well as cultural and humanitarian collaboration. We outlined plans for future joint work. I kindly ask you, Your Highness, to convey my warmest regards and best wishes to His Majesty.

In the first quarter of this year, mutual trade showed a positive dynamic, with a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Strong business and partnership ties have been established between our sovereign wealth funds, and I hope this will produce tangible results. Today, our joint investments are being channelled into more than 30 projects across various sectors.

We are delighted to see you. Once again, welcome.

Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: Thank you very much for these kind words, Mr President. I am honoured to represent His Majesty Hamad [bin Isa Al Khalifa], the King of Bahrain, in the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

Our visit today reaffirms how close and deep the relations between Bahrain and the Russian Federation are.

Of course, we are all interested in de-escalation in the region. We are grateful for your efforts, Mr President, which are aimed at settling these tensions.

Mr President, allow me to convey a message from the King of Bahrain. You can read it at your convenience.

There are many issues we would like to discuss across various areas of cooperation: in diplomacy, politics, culture, tourism, and the economy. I have visited Moscow, Sochi and other Russian cities many times, and now I am here in St Petersburg. This also confirms that our relations are developing.

Today, Bahrain is a guest of honour at the St Petersburg forum. Mr President, we would like to congratulate you on the excellent organisation of this very representative forum in St Petersburg. The Bahraini delegation works towards building relations and deepening them under your wise leadership. We are grateful for the invitation.

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