HM King receives HE Lebanese President
Manama, July 23 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at Gudaibiya Palace, on the occasion of HE President Aoun’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Upon arrival, an official reception ceremony was held, during which the national anthems of the Lebanese Republic and the Kingdom of Bahrain were played, and a 21-gun salute was fired. HE President Auon then greeted Bahraini officials, while His Majesty the King greeted the members of HE President Aoun’s accompanying delegation.
Following this, His Majesty the King held a bilateral meeting session with HE President Aoun in the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad; His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King; His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and National Security Advisor; and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC).
The two leaders reviewed the close ties of cooperation and friendship between the two countries and means to enhance and develop joint cooperation across all domains for the benefit of both peoples. His Majesty the King and HE President Aoun underscored their continuous keenness to develop Bahraini-Lebanese ties and expressed the aspiration to advance them for the benefit and growth of both countries and peoples.
His Majesty the King emphasised the depth of historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Lebanese Republic, which have witneitsssed notable development and continuous growth at all levels.
The two leaders discussed and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, and also reviewed the recent developments within Lebanon and the ongoing efforts to address them.
On his part, HE President Aoun expressed deep appreciation for the honourable stances of the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, towards Lebanon and its people, and the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon's unity, security and stability. He underscored his country’s interest in strengthening cooperation with the Kingdom for the benefit of their two peoples.
A broader session of talks was later held between His Majesty the King and HE the President, attended by members of both the Bahraini and Lebanese delegations.
His Majesty the King delivered a speech, in which His Majesty welcomed HE President Auon and his accompaniying delegation, wishing HE the President a pleasant stay.
His Majesty expressed hope that the discussions with HE President Aoun would continue, in reflection of the strength of the relations between the two countries, founded upon mutual respect, appreciation, and goodwill.
His Majesty expressed pleasure that the distinguished visit coincided with the fifty-third anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon.
On this occasion, His Majesty announced the decision to establish a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut. His Majesty expressed hope that this step would mark a new milestone for bilateral cooperation across various domains of mutual interest.
His Majesty the King emphasised the importance of activating the Bahraini-Lebanese joint committee to implement the memoranda of understanding and agreements concluded between the two countries, and to explore further promising opportunities that serve their shared interests and promote prosperity and benefit. His Majesty affirmed that this remains a priority consistently pursued in the bilateral relationship.
His Majesty emphasised that Bahrain has long welcomed individuals from Lebanon and those who hold it dear, ensuring their stay is met with warmth and care in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make to the Kingdom. His Majesty added that it was important that Lebanon would not continue to endure the consequences of those who exploit its atmosphere of freedom and openness, individuals who, rather than showing gratitude for the country's hospitality, act in ways that harm it and exact a heavy price. His Majesty emphasised that such conduct is firmly rejected and should not be allowed to recur.
His Majesty the King affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain remained committed to standing stand alongside by the Lebanese Republic, particularly mid the delicate circumstances affecting the region. His Majesty reiterated full support for Lebanon’s efforts to reinforce its sovereignty and national unity, and renewed Bahrain’s complete endorsement of the efforts led by HE President Aoun and the Lebanese government to safeguard the interests of the Lebanese people and to restore Lebanon’s prominent role within the Arab world and the international community.
His Majesty once again extended a warm welcome to HE the President, describing him as a dear and noble brother in his second country. He expressed confidence that, under HE President Aoun’s wise leadership, Lebanon will rise once more to be, as it has always been, a homeland of unity, peace, and harmonious coexistence. His Majesty hoped that this country would continue to serve as a beacon for the Arab East and a gateway to the sought-after regional stability.
His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, delivered a speech in which he expressed deep appreciation for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s enduring support for Lebanon.
HE the President remarked that the greatness of nations is not measured by geography alone, but by the wisdom and goodwill found in the hearts of their people and leaders.
HE the president noted that while his visit to Bahrain was official in nature, the atmosphere he encountered reflected a deep and genuine affection for Lebanon, an enduring sentiment that has characterised the relations between the two countries since their earliest days, and one that continues to be reciprocated on both the official and popular levels.
HE the President said that as His Majesty is undoubtedly aware, every Bahraini citizen in Beirut, like every Lebanese, acts as a heartfelt ambassador for Bahrain in Lebanon. HE the President expressed a strong desire for the full return of Bahrain’s embassy to the Lebanese capital.
Furthermore, HE President Aoun noted that while the two nations continually exchange their greatest assets their people and human capital they aspire and hope for a full resumption of trade between them, along with cooperation in various domains, for the benefit of their peoples and the interests of their countries.
HE President Aoun extended his sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King, all the officials accompanying him, and the people of Bahrain for the invitation, the warm reception, and generous hospitality, expressing particular appreciation for the support extended to Lebanon both before and after the visit.
His Majesty the King then hosted a luncheon in honour of HE President Aoun and his accompanying delegation.
The mission of honour for HE the Lebanese President was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
