HRH Crown Prince Receives US Defence Secretary
The unconditional national dialogue is the ideal civilised path to achieve any demands or development. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, yesterday sent a clear message in this regard.
“Activating the principle of unconditional national dialogue and committing to its values will enable us to reach the dividends we all desire for the bright future we aspire to optimistically”, he said. HRH Prince Salman was speaking as he received today at Riffa Palace US Defense Secretary Robert Gates. He credited His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s landmark reform project. “The reform project has paved the way for all Bahrainis to participate actively in the political life in the framework of laws, state institutions and respect of all opinions”, he said.
He affirmed that Bahrainis of all sects and affinities had been working hand in hand, since olden times, to build their nation and promote development programmes. Paying tribute to the forefathers for their efforts, HRH Prince Salman described Bahrain nowadays as a secure and stable country, thanks to citizens’ unity, cohesion and harmony. He stressed strong political and economic relations bonding Bahrain and the US, hailing steadily growing cooperation through the activation of bilateral agreements.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates hailed HRH Prince Salman’s call to engage in a multi-party national dialogue, stressing the importance of exploiting time and elaborating viable ideas towards reaching the desired results. He also reiterated his country’s stance backing Bahrain and support for all that consolidates its security and stability. “Bahrain is a friendly country and key US ally”, he said, pointing out long-dating relations and joint interests, particularly after the Free Trade Agreement had taken effect.
Present were BDF Chief of Staff Major General Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Foreign Ministry Advisior Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Economic Development Board Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince’s Court chief Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa.
