MANAMA, June 16. /ITAR-TASS/. Bahrain favours peaceful resolution of regional and international conflicts, Bahraini Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa said.

Despite attempts to interfere in the country’s internal affairs and unfair accusations, Bahrain continues to develop and improve the life of the people and protect their freedoms and rights, the prime minister said in an interview with ITAR-TASS First Deputy Director-General Mikhail Gusman.

He believes it necessary to act with great care and resolve all conflicts solely by peaceful diplomatic means. “We should all work for the benefit of society, not destroy it. Extremism and violence lead nowhere,” he said.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa praised Moscow’s efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, including Syria. “We greatly appreciate friendly relations with Russia and support its balanced policy at both regional and international levels,” he said.

In his opinion, Russia acts objectively in addressing acute issues not only in the Middle East, but also in Europe and in the post-Soviet region.

The prime minister noted specifically the Russian leadership’s commitment to diplomatic methods, peace and open relations with its partners around the world. This is evidenced by the unprecedented popularity of Russian President Vladimir Putin whose actions win support not only among the Russian people but far beyond the Russian Federation.

“He has a very strong personality and is an outstanding leader,” the prime minister said.

He welcomed Putin’s efforts to increase Russia’s influence in the world and said this policy was close to Bahrain which intends to continue to further develop multi-faceted ties with Russia.

The prime minister said he would like to see Russia’s relations growing and expanding not only with Bahrain but also with other Persian Gulf countries.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa, the uncle of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, has been prime minister since 1971 when Manama gained independence from Britain. He is a popular leader in Bahrain and is the patriarch of the country’s policy, one of the wealthiest members of the ruling family and a successful entrepreneur.