MANAMA: HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and an official delegation accompanying him arrived in Manama on a state visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain Tuesday. Fighter jets of Bahrain’s Air Force accompanied HH the Amir’s aircraft when it entered Bahraini airspace. HH the Amir was received at the airport by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and senior state officials.

An official reception was held at Sakhir Palace for HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal on the occasion of his state visit. The motorcade of HH the Amir and King Hamad headed to Sakhir Palace accompanied by cavalry, with students on sides of the road holding flags of Kuwait and Bahrain as well as performance by traditional bands. A 21-gun salute marked the arrival of HH the Amir, then national anthems of the two countries were played.

Official talks between the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain were held at Sakhir Palace, in which HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal chaired the Kuwaiti side, while King Hamad chaired the Bahraini side. During the discussion, they reviewed the distinguished relations linking Kuwait and Bahrain, bilateral cooperation and ways to boost the established strong relations.

Discussions also addressed the pursuit of more partnerships to expand frameworks of action to support and enhance the progress of the Gulf Cooperation Council, highlighting issues of common interest, as well as the latest regional and international developments. HH the Amir congratulated the King of Bahrain on the 23rd anniversary of the National Action Charter of Bahrain and wished perpetual development and prosperity for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people under the leadership of King Hamad Al-Khalifa.

King Hamad then awarded HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa at Sakhir Palace in recognition and appreciation for his efforts to reinforce bilateral ties between the two nations. The Bahraini king also dedicated to HH the Amir the Bahraini Sword on this occasion. Poet Mohammad Hadi Al-Halwaji recited a poem that was appreciated by the attendees.

King Hamad also held a lunch banquet in honor of HH the Amir before he departed Bahrain. He was seen off at the airport by King Hamad, Crown Prince Salman and senior officials. As he returned home, HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal sent on Tuesday a cable of appreciation to King Hamad, thanking him for his hospitality and warm welcome during his visit to the country, showing the deep brotherly ties between the two countries. HH the Amir stressed the value that Kuwait holds for the relationship with Bahrain and affirmed the keenness to strengthen cooperation that benefits both sides.

Furthermore, HH Sheikh Mishal expressed his gratitude to King Hamad for awarding him with the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, saying it has a profound significance in his heart and it embodies the strong brotherly bonds between Kuwait and Bahrain. HH the Amir wished the Bahraini King and his country more health and prosperity. – KUNA