New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): Bahrain's Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his government's commitment to deepen bilateral relations in areas such as defence, security, counter terrorism, trade and investment.

A PMO release said that the prime minister appreciated the continuous support and cooperation being extended by the Bahrain government to over four lakh members of the Indian community in that country.

The Bahrain minister is in India for the meeting of the joint commission between India and Bahrain. The commission is co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

The release that during the meeting, the prime minister recalled the visit of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to India in February 2014 and said it provided new vigour and momentum to the bilateral relationship.

The Bahrain minister also extended an invitation to Modi to visit his country.

He also recalled "the deep emotional bonds of friendship that were felt by the people of Bahrain towards India".