HM King, Jordanian monarch hail solid relations

Amman, February9(BNA) His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has today held talks with King Abdulla II ibn al-Hussain of Jordan on deep-rooted historic relations and ways of bolstering joint ties. HM the King offered condolences, on behalf of Bahrain Government and people, to the Jordanian monarch over the death of martyred Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh, praying to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace. He voiced Bahrain's strong condemnation of the barbaric execution of the Jordanian pilot by the terrorist group Daesh, affirming full solidarity with Jordan and support for the measures it has taken in retaliation for the terrorist group's repugnant crime. He stressed solid relations bonding Bahrain and Jordan, hailing longstanding ties which are based on fraternity, understanding and joint coordination on both official and people's levels. He lauded the honourable stances of Jordan, led by HM King Abdulla, in support of Bahrain, as well as its key role to advocate Arab causes, cement pan-Arab solidarity and promote peace efforts. HM the King pointed out that his visit aims at discussing ways of developing joint cooperation. He paid homage to late King Hussein bin Talal who responded to the desire of late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and put his country's military expertise and knowhow at the disposal of the newly-established Bahrain Defence Force(BDF). He lauded longstanding joint cooperation that dates back to the 1950s and which has since expanded to cover military security, medical, cultural, education and media fields. He paid tribute to HM King Abdulla for his keenness on further bolstering joint cooperation for the sake of the two countries and peoples' interests. HM the King reiterated his sincere condolences, hailing the spirit of solidarity and cohesion which has long marked the Jordanian people who join ranks in times of adversity and crises to preserve their country's unity and stability. The two leaders affirmed resolve to bolster bilateral ties and push joint cooperation forward, hailing steadily-growing relations in all fields. They discussed latest regional and international developments, stressing the importance of bolstering pan-Arab solidarity at this defining moment in the history of the Arab nation so as to stave off challenges and maintain regional security and stability. King Abdulla hailed the honourable stances of Bahrain in support of Jordan and lauded HM the King for his fraternal feelings, saying that his royal visit reflects strong fraternal relations. The two leaders said that the war on terrorism and extremism aims essentially at protecting the tolerant and moderate Islamic teachings from the barbaric and cowardly crimes being perpetrated by Daesh, which prompted the international community to wage a war to combat this terrorist group and ensure its ultimate destruction. HM the King and the Jordanian monarch underlined the crucial role of religious institutions, particularly Al-Azhar, in advocating the true image of Islam and protecting generations from the scourge of extremism. HM the King then attended a lunch banquet hosted in his honour by King Abdulla marking his visit to Jordan. The King then left for Bahrain and was seen off by the Jordanian monarch.