India and Bahrain on Saturday agreed to collaborate in the areas of space technology, solar energy and culture exchange as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive talks with his Bahraini counterpart Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa to give a major boost to the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit Bahrain, and Prince Khalifa after the delegation-level talks witnessed the exchange of MoUs in the areas of culture, space, collaboration with International Solar Alliance (ISA).
"Defining new areas of cooperation. Expanding our bilateral partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and H H Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa witnessed exchange of MoUs in areas of culture, space, collaboration with ISA & Rupay Card," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.
"Intensifying the vibrant bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with HH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain. Both leaders expressed their commitment to give a boost to the entire spectrum of bilateral relations," he said.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bahrain's National Space Science Agency agreed to collaborate in the area of space technology.
The two sides agreed on collaboration of the kingdom with International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The ISA, launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, is a major global initiative for contributing to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy.
The two countries also agreed on cultural exchange programme.
"Honoured to have met HH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Our talks were comprehensive and included a wide range of subjects concerning India-Bahrain relations," Prime Minister Modi tweeted after the talks.
Before the talks, Modi was extended a ceremonial welcome at Al Gudaibiya Palace here.
"A pearl in our extended neighbourhood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a ceremonial welcome at Al Gudaibiya Palace in Manama in the presence of Prime Minister HH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa," Kumar said in a tweet.
Modi, was received by Prince Khalifa at the airport.
"Infusing new energy on the foundation of close civilizational linkages. PM Narendra Modi arrives in Manama, Bahrain. As a special gesture, received warmly by HH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the PM of Bahrain. This is the first ever visit by an Indian PM to Bahrain," Kumar tweeted.
Modi, who is on the third leg of his three-nation tour to France, the UAE and Bahrain, will also hold talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
On Sunday, he will witness the formal beginning of the re-development of the temple of Shreenathji - the oldest in the Gulf region.
From Bahrain, Modi is scheduled to return to France on Sunday to attend the G7 Summit meeting.
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