Ahern opens Irish-Bahrain medical link

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today opened the University of Bahrain – a unique joint venture between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Bahrain government.

Mr Ahern, who is on the final leg of his visit to South East Asia and the Arab Gulf region, said the university will run world-recognised degree courses in medicine.

He added: “The curriculum has been developed by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to the highest international standards.”

The Taoiseach also met Irish business leaders in Bahrain this morning and launched a new guide – Doing Business in the Arab World – to help firms foster links with local markets.

Mr Ahern also discussed trade issues with the Bahrain Prime Minister HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman al-Khalifa and the King of Bahrain HM Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al- Khalifa.

The Taoiseach is due to attend a reception for the Irish community in Bahrain later today.