'Bahrain is a land of co-existence, tolerance, peace and openness'

Manama, Apr. 4 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at the Gudaibiya Palace today the Association for the Furtherance of Peace President Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete and Vice-President Archduke Sandor von Habsburg, marking the conclusion of their visit to the kingdom to confer the "Flame of Peace" Award on him. HRH Premier called for concerted efforts by all international, official and private institutions to promote and strengthen peace as the best means to face the current challenges, particularly terrorism and extremism which, he said, represent the most serious threat to the International Community's development plans and peoples' right to live in peace. The conflicts and wars prevailing in many regions require stepping up joint international action and cooperation to reinforce peace and love, being the essential pre-requisites to safeguard the security and stability of the entire humanity, he said. HRH the Prime Minister asserted that Bahrain has been –and will remain- a land of co-existence, tolerance, peace and openness, stressing that those values are based on a deep-rooted heritage spearheaded by the forefathers and passed by the successive generations of national work pioneers. The Prime Minister lauded the pioneering role played by the Vienna-based Association for the Furtherance of Peace, and its noble mission aiming to consolidate the principles of peace and tolerance worldwide. The Association for the Furtherance of Peace is a role model that should be emulated regarding its efforts to achieve peoples' aspirations for a more prosperous life within an atmosphere of peace, security and stability. Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Herta Margarete and Archduke Sandor von Habsburg expressed utmost thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister and the kingdom's leadership and people for the gracious welcome and hospitality, which, they said, reflect the Bahraini people's civilisation and progress at all levels. Archduchess Herta Margarete affirmed that the "Flame of Peace" was bestowed upon HRH Premier in tribute for his effective role in putting in place all requirements of development and peace through his visions and efforts aiming to promote peace and strengthen cooperation and love among peoples of the world. She lauded the development and progress boom currently witnessed by the kingdom in all fields. Highlighting their visit to the Bahrain National Museum and the Ministry of Education, she praised Bahrain's rich and unique cultural heritage, and advanced education system.