HM King of Bahrain holds talks with US Secretary of State

Manama, Jan. 11 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed Bahrain’s deep pride in its close relations and strong partnership with the United States of America, which extends over 120 years of coordination and cooperation to achieve shared interests at all levels. HM the King made the statement as he received in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who is on a visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Majesty welcomed the visit of the US Secretary of State to the Kingdom of Bahrain and stressed the importance of exchanging such visits to develop cooperation at all levels, especially in the political, economic and defence areas. His Majesty expressed the Kingdom's keenness to consolidate its relations with the US in order to serve the common aspirations and interests of the two friendly peoples, noting the active role of the US community and its contribution to the Kingdom's comprehensive progress. He stressed that the US community is always hailed and appreciated by the people of Bahrain. The talks covered developments in the region in addition to the most important regional and international issues. HM King Hamad praised the historic US global role and its contribution to the consolidation of security, stability and international peace and its keenness to cooperate with Bahrain and friends in the region in order to build on accomplishments and achieve further progress and prosperity. Pompeo expressed his appreciation to His Majesty the King for his gracious hospitality and congratulated him on the successful parliamentary and municipal elections held recently in the Kingdom. The senior US official stressed that Bahrain is steadily moving forward on the right path to maintain its stability and the continuity of development and progress. He also praised the strong ties between the two friendly countries, which continue to grow in all fields in the light of joint dedicated efforts. HM the King hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Secretary of State and his accompanying delegation. Pompeo and the US delegation were welcomed at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.