HRH Premier lauds depth of Bahraini-UAE relations

Manama, Dec. 2 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has asserted that the joys of the UAE are the joys for Bahrain, stressing that Bahrain shares with the UAE its celebrations of its National Day. The festivities are spreading across the UAE and also Bahrain because they are brothers who share joys and sorrows, he said. HRH Premier lauded the UAE which, he said, was established on strong and solid bases, and has enjoyed progress and prosperity thanks to the efforts of its Shaikhs and rulers, under the leadership of the late HH Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and then HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE President, along with the rulers of the emirates. When the UAE was unified, it became an economic, social and development power that benefited the peoples of the seven emirates, and strengthened the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and enhanced its immunity and influence, the Premier said. “What we share with the UAE is big, and our fraternal bonds will be strengthened further, as we are indivisible,” he added, noting that the UAE Federation is a successful model for unity and cohesion that is based on solid foundations thanks to which the country has made steadfast development strides. HRH Premier made the statements while visiting the House of the UAE Ambassador to Bahrain marking the UAE’s National Day. The Premier was welcomed upon arrival by Ambassador Abdul-Ridha Abdulla Khoury. The Prime Minister lauded the progress boom currently witnessed by the UAE in various fields, under its leadership, which, he said, has succeeded in strengthening pillars of a modern state thanks to their wisdom. "The UAE’s celebration of its National Day is an occasion that is dear to all of us, in recognition of the role played by the sisterly state to support the GCC march, champion Arab and Islamic issues, and standing with its brothers under various circumstances,” he said. On the occasion, HRH Premier extended deepest congratulations to the UAE President, HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, members of the UAE Federal Council, crown princes of the UAE emirates and the brotherly UAE people on the UAE National Day, wishing them UAE further progress and prosperity. HRH Premier affirmed that the UAE enjoys a distinguished position in the heart of the Bahraini citizens as a result of the long history of love and fraternity binding the two countries and their brotherly peoples, a march, he stressed, that was spearheaded by the forefathers and fathers and still continues. The Prime Minister lauded the UAE’s stances in support for Bahrain under all circumstances, noting that such stances will remain proofs of the depth of the brotherly relations between the two countries and their peoples. HRH Premier recalled the inspiring role played by the late HH Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and his stances calling for strengthen GCC and Arab unity, noting that the UAE leaders and rules are following in the footsteps of the wise approach spearheaded by the UAE founding rulers. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for the outstanding level of the Bahraini-UAE relations, and their steady progress in various fields, which, he said, reflects the shared keenness of the two countries’ leaderships and peoples to set an outstanding model for constructive and fruitful cooperation that reflect the depth of the fraternity between the two nations. The UAE Ambassador to Bahrain expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his kind gesture and keenness on sharing with them their celebrations of the UAE National Day, which, he said, reflects his love and appreciation of the UAE, as well as his constant keenness on supporting everything that is aimed at bolstering relations between the two brotherly countries. He described HRH Premier’s presence as a badge of honour and a source of pride, noting that the Premier is always interested in enhancing bilateral ties. He praised the progress and renaissance currently witnessed by the kingdom under its leadership, expressing thanks and appreciations to the citizens of Bahrain for the sincere feelings they expressed while congratulating his country on its National Day. The ceremony featured a poem which lauded the role played by HRH Premier to strengthen relations between the two brotherly countries, and sound visions on ways to bolster joint GCC action. A UAE folk band also performed during the ceremony.