Canada takes Iranian nuclear programme seriously

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said Wednesday his government considers the Iranian nuclear program a cause of concern for security and stability in the Gulf region and the world at large. Canada takes seriously the Iranian nuclear threat and interventions in the domestic affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, said Baird who arrived here earlier today on a visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of a tour of the GCC states. He made the remarks in a joint press conference with Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad Al Khalifa here tonight. The Canadian minister affirmed his country's support to the GCC countries in the face of the Iranian interventions and to the Syrian people in their struggle for freedom. He added that his country seeks closer ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain and plans for signing a range of agreements on cooperation. Baird voiced hope that the Bahraini national dialogue will lead to fruitful results and cement the national unity of the Kingdom. On his part, Sheikh Khalid said Bahrain appreciates the Canadian role in protecting the security of the Arabian Gulf. Canada plays an effective role in the Combined Task-Force (CTF) through two frigates, he added. Baird, who arrived here from Qatar, held talks with Bahraini King and Crown Prince earlier today on a range of regional issues of mutual concern.