HRH Premier hosts grand ceremony for Saudi king

Manama, Dec. 8 (BNA): In the presence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa hosted a grand ceremony at his Palace in Riffa as part of the celebrations of the historic visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Bahrain. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, Saudi princes, King Salman's accompanying delegation, senior Royal Family members and senior state officials also attended. HRH the Prime Minister highlighted the great importance of King Salman's visit to the Kingdom, stressing that it embodies the outstanding relations between the two brotherly countries. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is a prominent regional and international leader, and his visit is a source of pride, he said. "Saudi Arabia has supported everyone, and its strength and glory are ours. We renew our stance that whoever love their country must love Saudi Arabia, being a great supporter that has championed all causes," the Prime Minister said. In Bahrain, King Salman is among his family and supporters, he added, stressing that Bahraini-Saudi relations are based on a fortified solid structure founded by the fathers and forefathers. "Bahrain and Saudi Arabia share the same destiny. We are one people whose members are bonded by kinship, love and intimacy within the wider GCC home," the Prime Minister said. While commending the stances of King Salman and Saudi Arabia, HRH the Prime Minister asserted that the firmness and determination of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques have left no room for uncertainty regarding everything that poses a threat to security and stability. Bahrain's King, government and people have high regards and appreciation for King Salman, the prominent Arab and Islamic leader, for his honourable stances towards the Kingdom, as well as in recognition of the pivotal role he is playing in support of the right and justice, the Premier indicated. HRH the Prime Minister affirmed the strength of the long-standing Bahraini-Saudi relations, which, he said, have flourished thanks to the support of HM King Hamad and King Salman. He stressed that Saudi Arabia has become a 'refuge' for all Arabs and Muslims thanks to the initiatives and vigorous leadership of King Salman, affirming that the Saudi-led Arab Coalition has strengthened Arab solidarity and led those who interfere in domestic affairs and conspirators to recognise that they are faced by a solid structure and a mighty force, led by the Saudi monarch. HRH the Prime Minister stressed that Saudi Arabia is the protective shield for Arabs, and the basis of security and stability in the region thanks to the tremendous efforts it is exerting for the sake of defending the interests of Arab and Islamic countries and unifying their stances. HRH Premier affirmed that the historic and honourable stances of King Salman and his firm measures to counter expansionist ambitions and plans to spread chaos in the region will always be remembered with appreciation and gratitude across the Arab and Islamic nations. He added that the Saudi-led Arab Coalition has restored and preserved the dignity of the Arab Nation and revived its hope in a future in which Arab countries are fortified against attempts to tamper with their security and stability. HRH the Prime Minister asserted that festivities and joy prevailed in the kingdom during King Salman's key visit to Bahrain, wishing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques abundant good health and happiness. In the presence of HM the King, HRH the Prime Minister hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the kingdom's distinguished guest. The banquet was attended by HRH the Crown Prince, Saudi princes, King Salman's accompanying delegation, senior Royal Family members and senior state officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for the gracious welcome accorded to him, which, he said, reflects the distinguished Bahraini-Saudi relations. The ceremony featured poems, as well as Bahraini arda. During King Salman's visit, Bahrain's streets were decorated with welcoming banners, and citizens and students lined up along the route taken by his convoy, in a clear indication of the distinguished status he enjoys within the hearts of Bahrainis for his unforgettable stances in support of the kingdom.