King's visit to Egypt hailed

Manama, Apr 25 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, in a statement to Middle East News Agency (MENA), hailed HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to Egypt representing a further impetus for the deep rooted fraternal bilateral relations based on mutual respect and understanding. The Information Minister pointed the Egyptian contributions to Bahrain's development and educational march since 1919, welcoming the role of the Egyptian community in the unstoppable development process taking place in Bahrain. The minister underlined Egypt's supportive stances towards maintaining Bahrain's security and stability, rejecting foreign interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries. He noted HM the King's keenness to further reinforce the fraternal relations and Bahrain's support for Egypt in Arab and international forums. The minister expressed appreciation of Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb for denouncing the Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He also lauded his support for Bahrain's leading role in the dissemination of the values of tolerance, moderation and dialogue among civilizations and religions. He attached significance to the Bahraini-Egyptian summit in further boosting the historical bilateral relations in all fields. He pointed out the joint interest in increasing the size of Bahraini investments in Egypt and stimulating tourism exchange. The minister stressed keenness to further bolster median cooperation with Egypt in radio, TV and foreign media coordination, as well as countering calls of provocation, sectarianism and violence. He applauded the Nilesat decision to stop airing Hezbollah's Al-Manar channel for broadcasting programmes fomenting sectarian tension and raising violence. He highlighted the military and security cooperation and combat readiness backed by both leaderships for the protection of the Arab national security. He emphasised the Bahraini and Egyptian participation in the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism and in the North Thunder exercise, as well as promoting counterterrorism international efforts.