Thai FM met with Bahrain crown prince prior to decision on footballer

By Jay Jackson, China National News
11 Feb 2019, 21:34 GMT+10

The decision made Monday followed a meeting in Bahrain that day between the country's crown prince and Thailand's foreign affairs minister
A statement issued after the meeting however made no mention of what was likely the most important and pressing topic on the agenda
"The meeting touched upon the close ties between the two friendly countries," the statement said

MANAMA, Bahrain - The shock decision by Bahrain to halt extradition proceedings against Australian-based and former Bahrain footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi followed behind-the-scenes negotiations involving three countries: Bahrain, Thailand and Australia.

The decision made Monday followed a meeting in Bahrain that day between the country's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister Don Bramudwaini.

A statement issued after the meeting however made no mention of what was likely the most important and pressing topic on the agenda of the Thai foreign minister's visit.

"The meeting touched upon the close ties between the two friendly countries. His Highness the Crown Prince welcomed the visit of the Thai Foreign Minister to Bahrain and the importance of the visit in strengthening cooperation and building relations between the two countries," the statement said.

"For his part, Foreign Minister of Thailand, Don Bramodwaini, expressed his pleasure to visit Bahrain and the opportunity to meet with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister, and stressed the joint keenness of the two friendly countries to further enhance bilateral relations and develop coordination and cooperation."

The statement followed a reception given for the minister by the crown prince at the Gudhibiya Palace.

Hakeem Al-Araibi still guilty and will be pursued, vows Bahrain

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