Embassy in Riyadh holds national day celebration

Riyadh, Dec. 15 (BNA): The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's national celebrations on 16 and 17 December, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783, the 47th anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the 19th anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne. The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar, and a number of Their Royal Highnesses Saudi princes, dignitaries, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, Bahraini citizens residing in Saudi Arabia as well as a large number of guests. His Royal Highness the Governor of Riyadh and the distinguished guests were received upon arrival by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Hmood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa as well as members of the Embassy. The ceremony began with the Saudi and Bahraini national anthems, followed by recitation of the Holy Quran. Shaikh Hmood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa then delivered a speech in which he welcomed His Royal Highness the Governor of Riyadh and Their Royal Highnesses the princes, and praised the brotherly relations between the two countries and the keenness of their leaderships to strengthen and develop them in various fields. He said, "I am very pleased to welcome you and thank you very much for your presence. We are very proud of your participation, which stems from the bonds of brotherhood, cooperation and solidarity that our two brotherly countries share, thanks to the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.” The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Riyadh added: "We are gathered today to mark the Kingdom of Bahrain's national celebrations on 16 and 17 December, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783, the 47th anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the 19th anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, which reflects our pride in our history and present and highlights our aspiration for a brighter future. Shaikh Hmood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa hailed the strong brotherly relations between the two Kingdoms, affirming their keenness to further develop their ties in various political, economic, social, developmental and security fields. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Riyadh valued the stances of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, towards the Kingdom of Bahrain in the face of various challenges. He also stressed the solidarity of the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against external challenges and interferences that target the internal affairs of the countries of the region. He pointed out that the achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain come as a result of the Reform Project of His Majesty the King which is based on democracy and human rights. Shaikh Hamood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa praised the outcomes of the parliamentary and municipal elections held in Bahrain recently, which reflected the Bahraini people's adherence to the democratic approach and their loyalty to the leadership. Concluding the ceremony, the Ambassador and attendees extended their congratulations on this occasion to His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prnce Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.