King Hamad and Spanish monarch hold official talks

MANAMA- King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today(May 1st) held an official session of talks with Spanish King Juan Carlos at Gudaibiya Palace, in the presence of the two countries’ delegations. King Hamad welcomed the Spanish monarch, and the accompanying delegation, commending the role of King Juan Carlos in promoting GCC-Spanish economic and trade cooperation in particular, taking pride in the steadily-growing relations between the two countries on all levels.

The two leaders reviewed deep-rooted historic relations bonding Bahrain and Spain and discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest.

They reiterated joint keenness on bolstering political, economic, trade, cultural and tourism relations and boosting investments, stressing the importance of deploying more efforts to strengthen cooperation, develop joint ventures, activate signed agreements and exchange visits.

King Hamad underscored the importance of the Spanish monarch’s visit to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation, as the leaders of the two countries aspire to build excellent and effective partnerships for the sake of the joint interests of their friendly countries and peoples.

King Hamad affirmed Bahrain’s keen interest in building bridges and enhancing cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, particularly in the economic, cultural and tourism fields, stressing the vital importance of cooperation to achieve rapprochement between all countries and peoples.

He also lauded the pivotal role of Spain and its contribution to maintaining security and stability and consolidating global peace.

Spanish monarch King Juan Carlos expressed thanks and appreciation to King Hamad for the warm welcome and genuine hospitality.

He hailed the positive results of his official talks with King Hamad, saying that the outcome of the successful talks would bolster bilateral relations further.

He credited King Hamad for Bahrain’s development strides and string of successes in all fields, wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity.

A defence cooperation agreement was then signed in the presence of King Hamad and King Juan Carlos.

Minister of State for Defence Affairs Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa sealed the deal with his Spanish counterpart Dr. Pedro Morenes.

Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa also signed a tourism memorandum of understanding with Spanish Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria Lopez.

King Hamad then hosted a lunch banquet in honour of King Juan Carlos and the accompanying delegation marking his official visit to Bahrain.-BNA