Summit of ties

Riyadh : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said the GCC region continues to face serious interference in the domestic affairs from Iran. “This interference extends to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen among other Arab and Islamic countries. Bahrain has the evidence to prove the Iranian interference in our own affairs that violates the United Nations Charter and the values of good neighbourliness,” HM the King remarked.

Addressing the summit of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with US President Barack Obama at the Dera’iya Palace here yesterday, HM the King noted: “The GCC, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have all condemned this interference.”

Commenting on the cooperation with the US, HM King Hamad said, “The summit is a reflection of the solid foundations of the relationship between the GCC and the US. The opportunity to continue the discussions at Camp David here is a sign of the depth of our friendship and the joint willingness to improve our ties in all fields.” “We strongly affirm the need to intensify our defence cooperation for the sake of peace and security in the region.”

“Since Camp David Summit, we have undertaken great efforts to reach a solution in Yemen and in Syria, and we are working with the US in earnest to combat terrorism in the region and to stop the spread of radical extremist groups. We continue to work towards lasting peace in the region and in the world,” HM the King said.

Meanwhile, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud underlined commitment of the GCC countries to developing historic and strategic relations with the US to serve common interest as well as regional and global peace.

In his concluding speech at the GCC-US summit, he thanked the US President Barack Obama for attending the summit, stressing constructive discussions and the summit’s positive results.

Bahrain’s delegation to the summit included Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Defence Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma and Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani et al.

HM King returns to Bahrain

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa returned from Saudi Arabia yesterday after heading Bahrain’s delegation to the summit. 

Later, HM the King sent a message to Saudi King Salman appreciating him for the hospitality. 

HM the King also expressed delight at participating in the key GCC-US Summit in which important issues were discussed.