King Salman of Saudi Arabia received King Hamad of Bahrain in Riyadh on Wednesday, where the two monarchs discussed several issues and developments in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
King Hamad expressed his satisfaction at having met with King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to discuss developments in the region. He affirmed that the meeting is a continuation of the coordination between the leaders of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The leader of Bahrain reiterated his appreciation for the efforts made by King Salman with regard to the problems of the Gulf, the Arab world and the Muslim world, and for the strategic role that Saudi Arabia plays at the regional and international levels to securing a better future for people around the world.
Previously, King Hamad was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at King Khalid International Airport upon his arrival.
Later, a joint statement was issued on the occasion of the visit of the King of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
He indicated that a session of official talks was held between the leaders of the two countries in the presence of the crown prince, during which the aspects of the relations between the two countries, the cooperation and the coordination between the two parties at all levels have been reviewed.
According to the statement, both sides highlighted the content of the Al-Ula Statement issued on January 5, 2021.
On bilateral relations, the two sides have spearheaded the rapid implementation of the King Hamad Causeway project, which will link the two kingdoms. The establishment of the causeway will be a milestone and a distinctive addition to the history of Bahraini-Saudi relations.
Both sides hailed the outstanding outcome of the second meeting of the Saudi-Bahrain Coordination Council, which was held in Bahrain on December 10, 2021.
The Council meeting was co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad. Several political, military, security, trade, investment and cultural initiatives were launched during the meeting.
In the security and military field, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain expressed their satisfaction with the existing cooperation.
In the joint statement, the two monarchs stressed the importance of continuing to work on developing mutual military cooperation and strengthening security cooperation between the two kingdoms.
Furthermore, they warned of the danger of the growing capabilities of terrorist groups in the region and Iran’s smuggling of missile and drone capabilities to these groups to target countries in the region.
On energy and climate change, both sides hailed the close cooperation between their kingdoms and the successful efforts of OPEC+ countries to stabilize global oil markets.
The two kings agreed to strengthen modes of cooperation on international climate policies and focus on emissions rather than sources through the application of the circular economy approach to carbon and the initiative ” Green Middle East”.
Regarding economic and trade affairs, the two sides affirmed their determination to accelerate the pace of joint economic cooperation by boosting the public and private sectors, encouraging exchange visits between business owners and establishing economic projects in the two countries that serve two kingdoms. ‘ national visions for transformation.
In the areas of culture, media, tourism and social development, the two sides stressed the importance of promoting the positive image of the two countries and strengthening and developing cooperation in these areas.
The two sides also reviewed issues of common interest on the regional and international scenes.
They underlined their continued support to achieve all that would establish peace and stability in the Middle East and in the world.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution.
The views of the two kings aligned on a host of regional issues including Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan and Libya.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf said King Hamad’s visit to Saudi Arabia embodies the depth of the historic and distinguished relations between the two countries and their peoples.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Hajraf said the visit of the King of Bahrain and his meetings with King Salman and the Crown Prince proved the distinguished position enjoyed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. in the hearts of all Bahrainis.
The GCC Secretary General said that the GCC citizens appreciate the visit of the King of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highly appreciate the great efforts made by the GCC leadership to strengthen the joint action of the GCC and realize their aspirations.
For his part, Minister of Information Affairs of Bahrain Ali Bin Mohammad Al-Rumaihi confirmed that the visit of King Hamad of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with King Salman underlines the great support and mutual interest in the historical relations between the two kingdoms.
Both kingdoms seek to develop them in various fields, believing in the depth of ties, unity of purpose, and a common destiny.
Al-Rumaihi said in a statement to SPA that what King Hamad stressed during the visit is that “Bahrain is always aligned with Saudi Arabia, and it will remain the main pillar of security and stability. of the region”.