HM the King arrives in Jordan

Amman, Feb. 9. (BNA) – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived here today on a visit to Jordan. HM the King will hold talks with the Jordanian Monarch HM King Abdulla II ibn Al Hussain on the outstanding deep-rooted solid bilateral relations, and ways to bolster them in various fields, as well as the latest regional and global developments. HM the King will offer, on behalf of the Bahraini government and people, sincere condolences to King Abdulla II and the brotherly Jordanian people over the martyrdom of pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh, may Allah Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace. Upon arrival, HM King Hamad was welcomed by King Abdulla II at Marca Military Airport, where an official ceremony was held. HM King Hamad and HM King Abdulla II reviewed the guard of honour, whose members lined up to salute them. A musical band played the national anthems of the two kingdoms and the artillery fired a 21-Gun Royal Salute to mark HM the King's visit. HM the King was also welcomed by Prince Faisal ibn Al Hussain, Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives, Supreme Judicial Council President, Royal Court Chief, Constitutional Court President, King Abdulla II's Office Director and Advisors, Amman Governor, Deputy Amman Mayor, the two countries' ambassadors, Bahraini Embassy's staff and Arab ambassadors accredited to Jordan. HM King Hamad was accompanied by a high-profile military delegation, led by the Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force. HM the King made a statement in which he reiterated Bahrain's solidarity with Jordan and its leadership, represented by HM King Abdulla II ibn Al Hussain, following the martyrdom of pilot Muath al-Kasassba. HM the King said he would offer condolences to King Abdulla II, the brotherly Jordanian people and the martyr's family. HM the King described martyr al-Kasassba as a "hero who had dedicated his life in defending his country, Arab Nation and Islamic Religion against criminal terrorists who have distorted the image of Islam and its tolerant teachings and sublime values, and showcased a very bad image of it." HM the King voiced deep pride in the solid long-standing Bahraini-Jordanian relations, adding that he is looking forward to advancing them through broadening areas of joint cooperation in various fields. HM the King asserted that Bahraini-Jordanian relations have reached an advanced level that exceeds the nature of normal ties between countries. "In our name, and on behalf of our country and people, we re-affirm our full-fledged support to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on all occasions, particularly regarding the measures it deems necessary and decisive to eradicate terrorism and eliminate it with full force and vigour," HM the King said. HM King Hamad prayed to Allah Almighty to guide HM King Abdulla II on the right path, safeguard Jordan and its people from all evil and bless them with lasting security, stability and more progress and prosperity.