Bahrain and Lebanon opened a new era in their ties when His Majesty King Hamad held official talks with President Joseph Aoun yesterday.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, was present at the talks at Gudaibiya Palace.
His Majesty announced the decision to establish a permanent Bahraini diplomatic mission in Beirut. He expressed hope that this would mark a new milestone for bilateral co-operation.
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.
An official reception ceremony was held for the visiting leader, during which the national anthems of the two countries were played and a 21-gun salute was fired.
Following this, His Majesty held a meeting with President Aoun in the presence of HRH Prince Salman.
Also present were His Majesty’s Personal Representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa; His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and National Security Adviser Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The two leaders reviewed the close friendship between the two countries and means to enhance co-operation across all domains.
They discussed regional and international developments, and also reviewed the recent developments within Lebanon and the ongoing efforts to address them.
President Aoun expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s honourable stances, under the leadership of His Majesty, towards Lebanon and its people, and the kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s unity, security and stability.
Another round of talks was later held between His Majesty and the visiting President, attended by members of both the Bahraini and Lebanese delegations.
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.
He 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, acted in ways that harmed it and exacted a heavy price.
His Majesty emphasised that such conduct is firmly rejected and should not be allowed to recur.
He affirmed that Bahrain remained committed to standing alongside Lebanon, particularly amid the delicate circumstances affecting the region.
The visiting President said 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 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.
His Majesty hosted a luncheon in honour of President Aoun and his accompanying delegation.
Cementing relations – Page 3
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