MANAMA: King Fahad Causeway embodies the strength of relations that unite Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The bridge has contributed to strengthening brotherly relations and enhancing co-operation between the GCC countries, King Fahad Causeway Authority chief executive Emad Al Muhaisen said.
His remarks came as Bahrain today joins Saudi Arabia in celebrating its 91st National Day.
In a statement to Bahrain News Agency, Mr Al Muhaisen said the causeway has witnessed an upward movement in the number of vehicles and passengers since its opening in 1986.
It has become fifth globally in movement of vehicles to land ports, and the best evidence of this is the record 29 million passengers who used the causeway in 2019, he said.
“We thank God Almighty for the gradual return of traffic after the two kingdoms succeeded in reducing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and we are approaching 50 per cent of normal movement.
“We hope that the pandemic disappears so that the bridge can continue to be an important social and economic tributary between the two kingdoms.”
The number of vehicles using King Fahad Causeway from May 17 until this month amounted to 1,897,000 in both directions, and the number of trucks for the same period reached 111,360, he added.
On the occasion, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bahrain Prince Sultan bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud recalled the achievements of the kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz Al Saud who laid the foundations of security and stability.
“Saudi Arabia, during the era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – has witnessed more mega developmental achievements that encompass diverse fields and all levels, and characterised by inclusiveness and integration in building and developing the nation,” the ambassador told Bahrain News Agency.
He highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, based on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to preserve the climate, protect the earth and support the international community’s efforts to tackle environmental challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts and good management in confronting the coronavirus pandemic should also be highly commended, he added.
“The experience of its wise leadership and the vitality of its youth came together to confront the pandemic and limit the damage. The safety of citizens, expatriates and Saudis abroad has been one of its highest priorities since the beginning of the pandemic,” he said.
The ambassador praised brotherly relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at all levels, based on the common vision that brings them together, thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Majesty King Hamad.
“They are deep-rooted relations based on close kinship, interdependence, good neighbourliness, a shared destiny and common noble goals,” he added.
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