His Majesty King Hamad has stressed Bahrain’s firm position in support of achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
He said this will lead to stability, development and prosperity for both the Palestinian and Israeli people, as well as all people of the region.
His Majesty was speaking as he received Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He affirmed that dialogue and a peaceful approach are imperative for settling conflicts and disputes, and ensuring people’s rights to security, development and prosperity.
He expressed hope that the Israeli leader’s visit will contribute to enhancing relations between the two countries.
“We are confident that this visit has an important role in consolidating relations between our countries, and supporting our common aspirations for peace and sustainable development in the region and the world,” His Majesty said.
He said the visit is also an opportunity for President Herzog to witness the beauty of the religious and cultural diversity in Bahrain, and the spirit of friendliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among members of society of all religions and races.
“We value and appreciate the developments witnessed in our relations since the signing of the Abraham Accords, and the Declaration Supporting Peace, which opens broader horizons for spreading the culture of peace and promoting security, stability and coexistence in the Middle East and the world.
President Herzog said Bahrain is at the forefront of making history in the region where Jews and Muslims come together and advance together in peace.
“It is a long process, but not just a dream. As we see now, our two countries meet for peace. Bahrain and Israel are considered pioneers in achieving this goal, and agree with the rest of the countries that seek to achieve this. This is in the interest of our two countries and people, as well as in the interest of the countries and people of the region and the whole world.
He said he looked forward to working with the representatives of economic and trade sectors in Bahrain, and also “affirm our aspiration to work on strengthening relations between the people of Israel and the people of Bahrain”.
President Herzog expressed appreciation for the King’s efforts to promote the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence among religions and faiths, as well as consolidate interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue. He praised the visit of Pope Francis to the kingdom, which, he said, reflects Bahrain’s distinguished status at the global level.
President Herzog thanked the King for the hospitality and welcome accorded to him.
His Majesty and President Herzog discussed Bahraini-Israeli relations, and ways to broaden co-operation to serve common interests and consolidate joint efforts to achieve security, stability and prosperity for the countries and people of the region.
Talks between the two sides focused on ways to bolster co-operation in economic, trade, investment, scientific, technical, health, educational, youth, tourism and cultural fields.
They also discussed ways to encourage communication between the representatives of the private sector in the two countries, and exchange of official visits, which will contribute to increasing the volume of bilateral trade exchange.
The leaders stressed the importance of activating agreements signed in vital areas of common interest, as well as strengthening the role of the joint economic committees in advancing bilateral economic and trade co-operation.
They affirmed that the Abraham Accords and the Declaration Supporting Peace embody their determination to promote the values of peace, coexistence and fraternity among religions and beliefs, and consolidate joint action to build constructive and fruitful co-operation.
They stressed the need to continue exerting more efforts to confront regional challenges, protect the security and stability of the region, step up efforts to establish lasting peace and coexistence based on trust and mutual respect, as well as combat terrorism, extremism and violence.
The King hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Israeli President and the accompanying delegation.
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