Deputy Premier receives Saudi Ambassador

Manama: April 6 – (BNA): Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullah Abdul-Malik Al-Sheikh. The Deputy Premier lauded the kind invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-member countries to move from the phase of cooperation to the phase of unity into a Union which preserves welfare and goodness to all member countries. The Deputy Prime stressed the urgency of the Gulf Union in the face of current hazards and threats to security and stability of the GCC countries. He said that this critical phase makes it imperative to unite the ranks alluding to the Gulf Union proposed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Shaikh Khalid asserted the strategic bonds between the two countries based on common history, fate, blood relations and religion. Shaikh Khalid congratulated the newly-appointed Saudi Ambassador on assuming the duties of his diplomatic assignment which reflects the precious trust vested in him by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques who appointed him as ambassador of his country to Bahrain. Shaikh Khalid promised the Ambassador all capabilities which make a success of his diplomatic mission in order to bolster the solid bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards the amicable welcoming reception of the Bahraini leadership as he assumes his duties. Ambassador Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation towards the immediate positive response on the part of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa regarding the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to move from the phase of Gulf cooperation to the phase of Gulf Union, citing Bahrain’s reiteration of its readiness to declare the Union on more than one occasion. The meeting also explored topics of mutual interest between the two brotherly countries. (IY) I.Y