HM the King receives German defence minister

Manama, Dec. 9 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at the Al-Safriya Palace today, the German Defence Minister, Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, who is currently on a visit to the kingdom to participate in the Manama Dialogue. HM King Hamad welcomed the German minister, and lauded the solid deep-rooted Bahraini-German relations of friendship and cooperation, and the advanced level these ties have reached in various fields. HM the King reiterated Bahrain’s keenness on developing and broadening areas of cooperation with Germany, especially in the military and defence fields for the best interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples. HM King Hamad hailed the German Defence Minister’s participation in the Manama Dialogue which, he said, reflects her country’s interest in the security and stability issues of the region, and keenness to enrich the discussions of such of an international forum held in the midst of multiple challenges that are currently facing the region and require more consultation and coordination. HM the King praised the effective role played by Germany at the international level, highlighting its efforts to promote global security and peace. HM King Hamad also discussed with the German Defence Minister the current situation in the region, as well as the latest regional and global developments. The German Defence Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his keenness on enhancing the friendly relations between the two countries, praising the kingdom’s hosting of the Manama Dialogue which, she affirmed, contributes to consolidating the Kingdom of Bahrain’s status and role in the regional and international arenas.