HM King launches AB-4 pipeline

Manama, Nov.26 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has today launched the AB-4 pipeline during an event at Shaikh Isa Air Base, held to celebrate over 70 years of energy cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and a number of senior Bahraini and Saudi officials attended the ceremony. During the launch, His Majesty the King highlighted the strength of relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, underpinned by deep centuries-old historic ties, common destiny and strong kingship bonds between the two brotherly countries and peoples. His Majesty King Hamad highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across all sectors, an effort which continues to see support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His Majesty the King noted that the launch of the AB-4 pipeline project is a vital economic milestone in the longstanding relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, adding that it will form the nexus for further integrated projects between the two kingdoms. His Majesty the King went on to note that that closer alignment on development priorities offers the best opportunity to secure mutually-beneficial growth across the GCC. "The Kingdom of Bahrain cherishes the strong historic bonds it shares with Saudi Arabia and is committed to further strengthening these ties to drive continued sustainable development. The inauguration of the new AB-4 oil pipeline project is just one of a number of joint initiatives that will undoubtedly benefit the people of both nations", he said His Majesty the King went on to praise the longstanding cooperation between the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) and Saudi Aramco, a partnership which has continually enhanced bilateral relations since 1945, and noted that the new pipeline would serve to ensure this relationship continues to deepen for years to come. The ceremony had opened with the royal Saudi and Bahraini anthems, followed by the recitation of Quranic verses. Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa then delivered the following speech: (Your Majesty King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, Your Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Your Majesty, "Our hearts are united until the end of time", a phrase said by the grandfather of our honourable guest, the founder of Saudi Arabia, the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, near this current location and at Sakhir Palace, when King Abdulaziz was the guest of his brother, my great grandfather, the late Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. This phrase will remain an eternal expression that embodies the essence of the deep-rooted relations between our two countries, and which enjoy an extensive history and common destiny. Today we witness the addition of a new, bright page to the historic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, through the launch of a new oil pipeline between our two countries. This announcement is a new milestone in the centuries-old ties that we enjoy, and God willing, that will continue based on solid foundations of shared values, principles, and visions. The commitment and support provided by Your Majesty and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to further strengthen our bilateral relations, has blessed our countries with great cooperation and integration, benefiting both countries tremendously. The new oil pipeline launched between the two Kingdoms, under Your Majesty’s leadership, is an important accomplishment and builds on our many achievements, most notably the recent large oil discovery in the Gulf of Bahrain, which you have entrusted the Higher Committee for Natural Resources and Economic Security to follow up on. In addition, the Kingdom’s BAPCO expansion is in line with a shift towards a smart oil economy, through which targeted investment is supporting diversification of non-oil sectors, leading to greater development and benefiting the Kingdom and its citizens. As we gather today on this joyous occasion in the presence of our honourable guest, we call upon the Lord to preserve our two countries and to maintain security and stability and further enhance our two Kingdoms’ prosperity. Thank you) A documentary was then shown, shedding light on the new oil pipeline. Another documentary was also shown, highlighting exchanged historic visits between the two leaderships of both countries, in addition to energy cooperation ever since the oil discoveries were made. HM the King then pressed the button, signaling the launch of the oil pipeline binding the two countries. The Bahraini Ardah performed afterwards during the ceremony. His Majesty the King, along with HRH the Saudi Crown Prince, HRH the Premier and HRH the Crown Prince of Bahrain, then toured an exhibition which displayed historical photos and documents marking the unique achievements of Bahrain’s energy sector. HM the King paid tribute to national cadres working in the oil sector for their dedicated efforts, looking forward to more development strides in the coming period. The new 112-kilometer long AB-4 oil pipeline will have a capacity of over 350,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The AB-4 project will replace the existing 73-year-old pipeline system, and is the only current venture in the GCC linking two countries together. The new oil pipeline will originate at Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq Plants and terminate at the BAPCO Refinery in Bahrain. For his part, HRH the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa praised the historic relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and stressed the importance of the new oil pipeline project, identifying it as a major milestone in the existing bilateral relations between the two kingdoms.