HM the King receives Palestinian President

Manama, Apr. 10 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today at Sakhir Palace received President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine and the accompanying delegation. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was present. An official reception was held in honour of the Palestinian President, HM the King along with his guest headed to the Podium of Honour and the national anthems were played. The two leaders inspected the Guard of Honour lined up to salute them. HM the King and the Palestinian President held a bilateral meeting on the solid relations between the two countries, the latest Arab and Palestinian developments, as well as the regional and international updates. Another meeting was held comprised the two sides' delegations in the presence of a number of invitees. HM the King gave a keynote speech in which welcomed the Palestinian delegation in Bahrain and stressed support for the Palestinian just cause to reach a fair and durable solution to preserve the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. HM the King pointed out Bahraini people's appreciation of the Palestinian people throughout history. HM the King granted the Palestinian President the Order of Al-Khalifa in appreciation of defending Arab causes and his efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region. HM the King said the strong fraternal ties bonding the Bahraini and Palestinian people will remain the basis of our distinguished partnership and human march toward achieving values of peace, tolerance and justice. Then, HM the King decorated President Abbas for his role in promoting the Bahraini-Palestinian cooperation and defending Palestinian people's rights, interest and unity. The Palestinian President bestowed on HM the King the Grand Medal of Palestine in acknowledgment of his role in boosting the Bahraini-Palestinian relations and supportive stances toward the Palestinian people and just cause. The Palestinian President, in his speech, took pride in the Order of Al-Khalifa, which is, he said, an honourable appreciation of HM the King and Bahraini people to Palestine and its people. He expressed gratitude for the royal support for the Palestinian people and constant keenness on highlighting the Palestinian cause in international forums. He emphasized rejection of foreign interference in Bahrain's internal affairs, praising Bahrain a country of coexistence, harmony and peace. He commended the royal support for the conference of ambassadors of the State of Palestine, which is a noble gesture and indicator of the depth of the Bahraini-Palestinian relations. He stressed eagerness on consulting with Your Majesty and other Arab leaders to reach a just, comprehensive and durable solution for the Palestinian cause. He said negotiations are ongoing with the United States, European Union, Russia and other parties to reach a solution that guarantees the Palestinian people's freedom, independence on the basis of the 2002 Arab peace initiative, the two-state solution with East Al Quds as its capital. He underscored determination to establish the rule of law and achieving the national reconciliation in conformity with the outcomes of Cairo and Doha meetings leading to the formation of a national unity government and conducting general elections. He added a special committee has been recently formed to urge Hamas to halt their recent secession decision, asserting Gaza is part of Palestine. He wished HM the King good health and happiness and the Kingdom of Bahrain further Progress and prosperity. HM the King hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the Palestinian President and the accompanying delegation. A mission of honour was formed chaired by Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi.