Bahrain national day celebrated

Leaders send notes of congratulation to ‘heart of the Gulf’

ABU DHABI // Leaders of the UAE congratulated King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his people on Bahrain’s national day.

President Sheikh Khalifa sent a congratulatory cable to King Hamad, while similar greetings were sent by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Rulers of other emirates. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tweeted: “Bahrain is the historical, geographic and cultural heart of the Gulf. We share their joy on Bahrain National Day. Congratulations to Bahrain and His Majesty King Hamad on the occasion of their national day. Your glory is our glory.”

In an address to Bahrainis, King Hamad noted the “strategic relations and shared economic interests enjoyed by Bahrain with different countries are among the clearest evidence of its ability to be a part of the integrated development system”.

“We believe this status is attributed to the outstanding Bahraini expertise wherever it is located,” he said.

Bahrain “prides itself on joining and contributing to all Gulf and international military and security alliances to protect our region and the Arab and Islamic surroundings from all types of terrorism”, he said.

“Our commitment will remain the hallmark of our robust relations with the international community, and will not hesitate to honour that pledge whatever the sacrifices.” Yesterday, Mohamed bin Hamad Saqer Al Moawda, ambassador of Bahrain to the UAE, was one of the guests of honour at Yas Mall, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Bahrain’s national day.