FOREIGN Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa met his French counterpart Laurent Fabius, in the presence of His Majesty King Hamad's diplomatic affairs adviser Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar.

They discussed the outcome of the King's visit to France and its contribution to bolstering relations in various fields.

They highlighted the agreement reached during the King's meeting with President Francois Hollande on setting up of a co-ordination committee to follow up on a memorandum by Bahrain to enhance political, defence, educational, cultural and technological co-operation.

The panel will also prepare for the president's prospective visit to Bahrain. Shaikh Khalid expressed thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to the King and his delegation, lauding historic ties and stressing the need to further cement them.

Mr Fabius hailed Bahrain's regional role and the importance it has accorded to the educational and cultural field, congratulating the leadership on the Pearling Trail which reflects the kingdom's historic and civilisational heritage.

Both sides also discussed developments in Syria, stressing the need for concerted global efforts to end the crisis and prevent the country from sliding into a sectarian civil war. Iranian nuclear issue and efforts to ensure security and stability in the region by making it free from weapons of mass destruction were also reviewed.