King meets Queen Elizabeth II, UAE Vice-President at Windsor Horse Show

London, May 11. (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum at the Endurance Village of the Windsor Great Park. This came as HM King Hamad and HM Queen Elizabeth attended the international Royal Windsor Horse Show. HM King Hamad also met the Duke of York, HRH Prince Andrew, Conservative Party MP and Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Alan Duncan, and Shaikh Fahad bin Falah bin Hathlin. HM King Hamad expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HM Queen Elizabeth II for her kind invitation to him to attend the deep-rooted show. HM the King exchanged talks with HM Queen Elizabeth II on Bahrain's outstanding relations with the United Kingdom, hailing the steady progress of bilateral coordination and cooperation between them in all fields. Talks between HM the King, HM Queen Elizabeth II and Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid covered Bahrain's outstanding relations with the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, hailing them as long-standing ties based on mutual respect and coordination at all levels. HM King Hamad and HM Queen Elizabeth II also exchanged talks on horse-racing shows in Bahrain and the UK, and their importance in spreading the deep-rooted sport locally and globally. HM the King and HM Queen Elizabeth II watched part of the International Endurance Race, held at the Windsor Great Park over 120 kms with the participation of HM the King’s Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, alongside a number of jockeys from GCC and European countries. HH Shaikh Nasser clinched the first place at the International Royal Windsor Horse Show, and was congratulated by HM King Hamad, HM Queen Elizabeth II and UAE Vice-President for the exploit which adds to his rich record of achievements at local and international endurance races. Then, HM the King bade farewell to HM Queen Elizabeth. HM the King made the following statement: “We are very pleased with the presence of HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his encouragement to all riders. His presence in this race was an incentive for all the riders. This race is an opportunity for all riders to know each other and exchange expertise. Allah Be praised we congratulate everyone, as they are members of one team.” Earlier, HM the King was welcomed at the Royal Windsor Racecourse by the Royal Endurance Team Captain, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and senior organisers of the race. HM King Hamad was briefed by HH Shaikh Nasser on the stages and distance of the race as well as on the number of participating riders. HM King Hamad lauded the tremendous efforts exerted by HH Shaikh Nasser to promote the popular equestrian sport. HM the King praised the keenness of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) on participating in various regional, Arab and international competitions and championships. HM King Hamad hailed the landmark results achieved by Bahraini riders, which, he said, has consolidated the kingdom's position in the sort in all the international gatherings, noting that participation in such world competitions reflects the advanced level of the endurance sport in Bahrain, and proves Bahraini riders’ determination to bolster the kingdom’s status at various sporting events.