HM the King participates in Egypt Economic Development Conference

Sharm Al-Sheikh, Mar. 13. (BNA) – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has participated in the opening session of Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC), along with leaders of Arab and friendly countries. Before the opening session, HM the King shook hands with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who welcomed him and thanked him for participating in the conference. Addressing EEDC inaugural session, HM King Hamad expressed pleasure at attending the event, and appreciated the Egyptian President for inviting him to "such a crucial strategic economic gathering called for by our brother the late Saudi Monarch King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud a few months ago, and supported afterwards by our brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud." HM the King noted that the conference adds to President Al-Sisi’s achievements and "ambitious" steps to revitalise his country’s economy through launching various mega economic projects for the aim of strengthening the country’s economy and achieving development and progress for the brotherly Egyptian people. "We have never hesitated to accept this blessed invitation out of our national and fraternal duty towards brotherly Egypt in order to contribute to achieving the great results you are looking forward," he said. "We have come here to affirm anew that securing Egypt’s future, and consolidating its development and stability will achieve many important goals not only for Egypt, but also the region as a whole," HM the King added, stressing that the continuity of Egypt’s role in leading joint Arab action and championing Arab and Islamic causes will "reflect positively on consolidating and strengthening the security and stability of all our countries." "We have come here to return some of the favours of the beloved Egyptian people the sacrifices and contributions they {Egyptian citizens} have made –and are still making- to consolidate the pillars of the development and nation-building in the Kingdom of Bahrain and many Arab countries," HM the King said, highlighting Egypt’s unwavering support and defence of Arab vital causes throughout history. HM the King stressed that the fraternal and strong Bahraini-Egyptian relations have been –and will remain- a role model of joint action aiming to achieve good and prosperity for peoples, especially in the economic field, the "cornerstone of our cooperation" with Egypt. He expressed great interest in creating all necessary requirements to enhance bilateral trade in a way that leads directly to increasing economic growth in both countries. In this regard, HM the King said he had directed the representatives of the business sector, the private sector and financial and banking institutions to discuss with their Egyptian counterparts ways to expand areas of joint economic and investment fields. HM King Hamad reiterated the kingdom’s principled and firm support to Egypt, under President Al-Sisi’s leadership, and backing of all its resolute measures to combat all forms of terrorism and calls for hatred, extortion, fanaticism and division aiming to distabilise Egypt and subvert the President’s tremendous efforts to achieve development and progress. HM the King called for the need to adhere to and activate the agreements and treaties signed within the framework of the Arab League, including the Joint Arab Treaty, in order to counter all threats and dangers targeting the sovereignty and integrity of Arab countries, in cooperation with the International Community, and according to the UN Charter. HM King Hamad renewed call to develop the religious discourse through promoting the real Islamic principles, calling for dialogue at the international, regional and local levels to address the issue. On terrorism, HM the King stressed the need to step up efforts aiming to find ways to stop the flow of funds to terror groups, and develop the national economy. "Combating this phenomenon requires solidarity and joint action at all levels. Confrontation should not be limited to security and military levels, but also development and social aspects so as to achieve security, peace, development and progress for our countries, and to ensure that our peoples can lead a normal life which is free of violence and terrorism, and within a secure and stable atmosphere in which sustainable development can be achieved," HM the King said. HM King Hamad expressed confidence that Egypt would remain supportive to its brotherly countries, particularly countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), adding that GCC states will always support Egypt and its leadership strongly. "The security of Egypt and its security are part of our security and stability," he said. HM the King wished the conference every success, and Egypt and its people further progress and prosperity.