New Delhi, Feb 23 : Bahrain Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national capital.

The two leaders shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before discussing matters of mutual concern to both nations.

A release by the Prime Minister's Office stated that the visiting dignitary expressed the deep 'emotional bonds of friendship' that exists between Bahrain and India, reiterating his nation's commitment towards deepening bilateral relations, especially in the fields of defence, security, counter- terrorism and trade and investment sectors.

Prime Minister Modi termed Bahrain ruler King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to India in February 2014 as having provided 'vigour and momentum' to the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to the support and cooperation being extended by Manama to the Indian community in Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa is in India for the first meeting of the Joint Commission between India and Bahrain, which he will co-chair with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. (ANI)