Ambassador: Bahraini-Saudi relations exemplary

Manama, Oct. 4 (BNA): Bahrain's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Hmood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has asserted that the brotherly historic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are an exemplary model of sincere and deep relations where the two countries and the two leaders are bind by a long common history and a march full of giving and development They stem from the bonds of fraternity, kinship and blood relations and have their roots deeply embedded in history. They have evolved to reach maximum extent of love, cooperation and development. In an interview with the eighth edition of «The Diplomatic Gazette», which is issued by t he Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking Saudi Arabia's 87th National Day, the envoy described Bahraini-Saudi ties as relations of a bilateral Arabian Gulf-Islamic dimension and for this reason they are strategic,ever-growing and evolving. "In short, I can say: together we have been, together we stay and together we will continue the journey,» he said. Talking about the work of the Embassy in Riyadh, he said it is twofold: the first is to strengthen relations between the two countries, while the second is to take care of the affairs of Bahraini citizens living in Saudi. The Embassy also works to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields for the benefit of the two countries and people. This is in implementation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and in line with the wise policy of the governments of the two countries, he said. Another task of the Embassy is to facilitate cultural, he added, is media, economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries’ sectors. This includes participation in various meetings and events that take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially that Saudi Arabia is the host country of the General Secretariat of the GCC and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, of which Bahrain is an active member. Participating in the meetings of these organisations adds to the important duties that the Ambassador and the Embassy shoulder. The work of the embassy is vital in achieving the noble goals and aspirations shared by our two countries and our peoples under the kind guidance of our leadership. Responding to a question about the most outstanding situations has faced, during his diplomatic career, he said that there were many noteworthy situations he had witnessed while working with official and non-official bodies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Working with these people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is of a special nature and an enriching experience given their expertise and competencies that facilitate interaction and exchange of views on how to consolidate our bilateral relations that are far embedded in history and inherited from a generation to the other. I have had the honor to participate and attend the summit meetings between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh and Jeddah several times during this year. I was also present at the visits of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, in addition to visits of their Highnesses and Excellencies Ministers and senior officials, he said. These visits have strengthened and developed bilateral relations and doubled our ability to serve the two brotherly countries and peoples. We have also learned from them how to further develop the diplomatic and practical experience, he added. I will talk about a situation that I can never forget. It happened during a meeting between His Highnesses and Excellencies Foreign Ministers of the GCC at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The meeting coincided with the submission of a report to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry which His Majesty ordered to form under the chairmanship of International Judge Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni to investigate into the events of November 2011. At that time His Highness Prince Saud Al Faisal, who was chairing the meeting, addressed the audience, congratulating Bahrain and its King. He said "we thank God that Bahrain, under the leadership of HM King Hamad and thanks to his wisdom has managed to thwart the conspiracy, defeat the forces of evil, and extinguish this fire of sedition which targets all of us at this table. «meaning the GCC countries» we never forget such memorable stances of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he also said. I also wish to say that the nature of these relations makes our work with the Saudi brothers easy, integral and productive due to harmonious stances and policies, and the common destiny of the two countries. All of this make us engage in unlimited cooperation and set doors open for interaction and never close them. Working with such elite of politicians, heads of state and prominent diplomats in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a great honor. I still recall their memorable stances as it is not strange for Saudi Arabia to dedicate its efforts to serve the nation, preserve its security and stability and ensure prosperity for its people. he noted. Commenting on Saudi Arabia's 87th National Day , the ambassador said the occasion was dear to all Bahrainis (King, Government and people). It is a memorable day that marks the establishment of Saudi with the sincere efforts of its people, led by the founder Late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. He added: "I take honor on this happy occasion to extend my sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Hi Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. I also extend my congratulations to the wise government and people of the Kingdom,wishing them further success in encountering all the conspiracies and foreign plots that target the brotherly kingdom, the Gulf States and the nation as a whole." He concluded by saying that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and with the support of HRH the Crown Prince, has made great achievements and gains in all fields in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. It has also made huge accomplishments on the level of confrontation of the enemies of the kingdom and the nation and in countering terrorism and protecting the blessed march of the GCC countries. All of this is a source of pride.