A grand welcome

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday welcomed HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia, and the accompanying delegation at the Sakhir Air Base. HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and senior officials were also present.

An official reception ceremony was held at the Sakhir Palace where the national anthems of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain were played. HM the King and HRH Saudi Crown Prince inspected the Guards of Honour lined up to salute them. A mission of honor chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was formed to accompany HRH the Saudi Crown Prince.

The Saudi delegation also comprised Royal Court Advisor HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce and investment Dr Majid Al Qassabi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Jubeir, Minister of Information Dr Awad Al Awad and General Intelligence Director Khalid Al Humaidan. Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the visit “highlights the two Kingdoms’ approach based on continuous communication and coordination at all levels regarding all issues and in various forums”.

He said: “The visit confirms that Saudi Arabia will remain, as it has always been, supportive of Bahrain’s efforts towards achieving further accomplishments and development in all areas.” He reiterated, “Bahrain’s support to Saudi Arabia to continue its pioneering role in defending the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations and reinforcing regional and international peace and security.”