Bahrain's stability is crucial for that of the whole Gulf region, said Victor Zubkov, the personal representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday.

Zubkov, who is also chairman of Gazprom, lauded the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, to address all crises in Bahrain through dialogue and consensus, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Such a role model approach should be followed by other countries. Stability of Bahrain is essential for the Gulf region, he said.

The Putin aide praised the King's directives to hold a National Dialogue, noting that the process should continue so that participants can reach an accord.

Zubkov said Bahrain-Russia relations have been growing steadily since the King's historic visit to Russia in 2008. The countries enhanced co-operation in cultural and military fields supported by the Russian President and his government, he added.

Zubkov was in Bahrain to take part in the third edition of Bahrain International Airshow, in which aircraft piloted by the Russian Knights, the aerobatic display team of the Russian Air Force, conducted daily shows.

He also held talks with senior officials in Bahrain on enhancing relations.

He expressed his country's readiness to contribute to the kingdom's development plans, including housing, gas and food, which will increase the bilateral trade volume.

The official expressed hope that a joint high-level committee will be formed soon to boost ties, noting that launching direct flights from Manama to Moscow by Gulf Air will bring more Russian businessmen and tourists to the kingdom.

He said a Russian fair will be held in Bahrain next year. He also praised the kingdom's progress and its housing and infrastructure projects.-TradeArabia News Service