HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad receives Philippines ambassador

Manama, Jan. 29 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Athletics Association and Honorary President of Bahrain Mixed Martial Art Association, received Ambassador of the Philippines to Bahrain, Alfonso A. Ver, and praised the amicable bilateral relations. HH Shaikh Khalid expressed the Kingdom’s keenness on opening new vistas of cooperation with the Philippines. His Highness reaffirmed Bahrain’s keenness to continue to develop the relations to serve the interest of both countries and peoples, lauding the ambassador’s role in increasing the frames of cooperation and coordination that will boost the bilateral relations. HH Shaikh Khalid went on to explore the ways of boosting cooperation in sports, particularly mixed martial arts (MMA), to push for more dissemination of the game at the continental level. His Highness outlined Bahrain’s experience in the game of MMA and its achievement of results and accomplishments added to the record of Bahraini athletics. His Highness also reviewed the successes achieved in BRAVE championships launched from Manama and toured the world’s capitals and major cities to achieve the global goals charted by His Highness for this championship which will boost the Bahraini efforts to develop this sport. HH Shaikh Khalid praised the Philippines strides in supporting and encouraging sportspeople to practice such games which resulted in the achievements by professional players who competed at the international level of the game, such as Stephen "The Kid" Loman who won the BRAVE9 Championship title. The ambassador affirmed his country’s keenness to boost cooperation with friendly countries including Bahrain. He praised the efforts of HH Shaikh Khalid and his patronage and support to the youth and sports in Bahrain. The ambassador also noted the efforts of His Highness in supporting the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sport. The ambassador pointed out that HH Shaikh Khalid’s efforts in supporting Mixed Martial Arts contributed to Bahrain’s advanced status internationally, wishing Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.