Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Underscore their Strategic Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, held talks at the Sakhir Air Base on Sunday with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

The two leader discussed cooperation between their two kingdoms and ways of bolstering them. They also tackled the latest regional and international developments.

The Saudi royal had arrived in Bahrain earlier on Sunday, coming from Abu Dhabi. Bahrain is the second stop of an Arab tour he had kicked off Thursday by traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

King Hamad welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed in his kingdom, underlining the historic fraternal ties that bind Manama and Riyadh.

He then bestowed upon the Crown Prince the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa in recognition of his efforts in bolstering Saudi-Bahraini ties.

Prior to his departure from the UAE, he had held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The two leaders also attended the



final round of the 2018 Formula One world championship that was being hosted by Abu Dhabi. 

He also met on the sidelines of the race Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and former Spanish King Juan Carlos.

Upon his departure, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, thanking him for the warm welcome he received during his visit.

“The visit underscored the special and unique ties that bind our countries and our joint desire to bolster them in all fields under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan,” he added.

In Cairo, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Egypt Sheikh Rashed bin Abdulrahman al-Khalifa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Bahrain reflects the strategic ties that bind their two countries.

He expressed his optimism over the important results that are expected to be produced from his visit.