Washington, Dhu Al-Hijjah 12, 1431, Nov 18, 2010, SPA -- The visiting Bahrain's Deputy Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, met with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. He conveyed the greetings of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to US President Barack Obama and to her, stressing strong friendly relations between the two countries in the political, economic and defence fields. Sheikh Mohammed also expressed thanks for Clinton's statement regarding the recent Bahraini parliamentary and municipal elections hailing the visit of the US Secretary of State to Bahrain early next month to take part in Manama Dialogue, according to a report of Bahrain News Agency (BNA). He also expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the Free Trade Agreement signed by the two countries in 2006 which has increased bilateral trade by 25%. Political issues of common interest were also discussed underlining the need to maintain stability and security in the Gulf region and back the peace efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution for the Middle East. The two sides also expressed satisfaction over an agreement reached by political blocks in Iraq to form the government and enable the Iraqi people to participate in building the nation and contribute to its progress and prosperity. --SPA 15:08 LOCAL TIME 12:08 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/837521