In a clear indication of rising trade ties between UAE and Bahrain, the volume of trade exchanged between both countries touched $2.45 billion last year, according to the fresh figures released by joint committee of both countries.

Officials of both countries held a meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa under the chairmanship of UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Bahrain Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, signing a number of deals of mutual interest.

They also discussed the prevailing economic conditions and issues such as power generation, energy security and challenges in economic, financial and investment sectors. Both leaders expressed their commitment to further boost trade ties between two nations.

Addressing the media persons, Shaikh Khalid told, "We agreed to co-operate in various fields such as electricity, media and economy among others. These are mutual fields of interest to both countries and the GCC region."

Shaikh Abdulla said such meetings can prove beneficial for exploring more fields of co-operation for enhancing the development of both economies.

Meanwhile, both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on reciprocal private certificate accreditation and co-operation in the environment, marine and natural resources fields.