On Monday 9th of March 2015, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicos Anastasiades officially visited Bahrain, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides and the Government spokesman, Mr Nicos Christodoulides, whereas they were welcomed by the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Palace in Manama.
Four bilateral agreements were signed between Cyprus and Bahrain including the treaty for the avoidance of double taxation, which follows the OECD Model Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and on Capital.
In addition, bilateral agreements for fighting terrorism and organized crime, air service and cooperation in the field of health were also signed. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kasoulides has signed the agreements on behalf of the Cyprus government.
The Cyprus President decorated the King with the Grand Order of Makarios III, which is considered to be the the highest award existing by the Republic of Cyprus, while King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa decorated Mr Anastasiades with the Medal of the Order of Al Khalifa.
Issues concerning EU-Bahrain relations, local and international affairs, political concerns and other financial & economic aspects were discussed. The primary purpose of the bilateral agreements and official visit to Bahrain was to promote & strengthen the relations with the Gulf States in order to attract and boost investors to Cyprus.
The two countries will support and promote the commercial & economic interaction between them.
The Cyprus government welcomed the King's decision to open an embassy in Nicosia.
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