First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov was received in Manama by Bahraini King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa and also met with Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is the deputy supreme commander of Bahrain’s defence force.

During their talks, Zubkov and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa stressed that Russia and Bahrain are steadily and dynamically developing their ties. They also noted that since their last meeting in Manama in January 2010 they have expanded their diverse contacts, substantially upgraded political coordination and further developed cooperation in different fields.

The heads of the two delegations agreed that the King's historic visit to Russia in December 2008 and his talks with President Dmitry Medvedev played a special role in consolidating the countries' bilateral relations.

The Bahraini leaders also expressed gratitude to Russia for supporting the King’s proposals to establish an independent commission to investigate events in Bahrain.

Discussing their bilateral agenda, the officials agreed to step up efforts to expand trade, involve their business communities in more intensive trade, economic and investment cooperation and high-tech joint projects. They also underscored the need to reinvigorate the Russia-Bahrain Business Council's activities, including its early convocation to discuss the opportunity to hold a Russian trade and industrial exhibition in Bahrain in 2012 with both governments' support.  

The officials spoke in favour of their economic partnership, including their joint projects, gaining access to the markets of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Russia also expressed an interest in securing Bahraini investments for its economy. The officials similarly noted the significance of the Road Map proposed by Russia in January 2010 as a foundation for bilateral mid-term cooperation.

During their talks, Zubkov and bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also decided to promote financial and banking contacts and facilitate the early signing of an intergovernmental agreement to encourage and mutually protect investments.

Russia and Bahrain also decided to search for new opportunities in their energy partnership, placing a priority on oil and gas cooperation and the formation of steady gas infrastructure in Bahrain. Russia suggested expanding cooperation in the production of aluminium with the use of modern Russian technology.

During the talks, the officials also discussed direct air links between Russia and Bahrain. They reached an understanding to support the mutual involvement of their airlines to effectively promote business cooperation and tourism.

Russia and Bahrain also plan to expand their humanitarian and cultural contacts. They expressed an interest in developing the dialogue between civilizations based on equal rights and a respect for national and religious traits, traditions and historical experience. The Bahraini officials noted that Manama looks forward to hosting the Days of Russia in 2012. Their Russian counterparts concurred that it is important to promote this project in every way.

The Bahraini officials also noted the tangible contribution of the Russian delegation led by Viktor Zubkov to the second international aircraft technology exhibition in Bahrain and lauded the performance of the Russian Knights aerobatic teams during the event.

The officials called the Russian delegation's visit to Manama a success and confirmed their mutual determination to make the two countries' already versatile bilateral cooperation even more dynamic and meaningful.