Bahrain Asserts Partnership with US, UK, Bolstering Peace with Israel

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the accompanying delegation. (BNA)
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the accompanying delegation. (BNA)
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Bahrain Asserts Partnership with US, UK, Bolstering Peace with Israel

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the accompanying delegation. (BNA)
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the accompanying delegation. (BNA)

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa commended the United States' role in consolidating the region's security, stability, and peace.

He met with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and an accompanying delegation on the sidelines of the 2021 IISS Manama Dialogue.

Crown Prince Salman outlined the strength of longstanding Bahrain-US relations and noted the importance of bolstering them, particularly in areas such as defense and security, reported the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

He also met the British National Security Adviser Stephen Lovegrove, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Richard Moore, and the accompanying delegation.

He highlighted the longstanding strategic partnership between Bahrain and the UK, that has contributed to achieving joint interests.

He reiterated Manama's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation and coordination across several areas, noting the UK's role in maintaining regional security and stability.

Crown Prince Salman later received the Israeli National Security Adviser, Eyal Holata, and his accompanying delegation.

He stated that Bahrain is committed to supporting efforts that help regional and international growth, development, and peace. He reiterated the importance of strengthening relations following the signing of the Abraham Accords.



Bukhari: Saudi Arabia Will Stand by Lebanon, Its People and President

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari meets with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian in Beirut on Friday. (NNA)
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari meets with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian in Beirut on Friday. (NNA)
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Bukhari: Saudi Arabia Will Stand by Lebanon, Its People and President

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari meets with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian in Beirut on Friday. (NNA)
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari meets with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian in Beirut on Friday. (NNA)

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Al-Bukhari stressed on Friday that the election of a president is an important step in Lebanon’s revival and reconstruction.

He also praised President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech after he was sworn in on Thursday, saying it reflected his sense of national responsibility.

“Saudi Arabia will stand by Lebanon, its people and president,” declared the ambassador after holding a series of separate meetings with senior religious figures, including Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Derian, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai and Sheikh Akl of the Druze community Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna.

A statement from Derian’s office said Bukhari expressed the Kingdom’s “relief at holding the election, which was achieved through the unity of the Lebanese people and that revives their hopes.”

The election was “an important step towards Lebanon’s revival and reconstruction, and consolidation of security and stability, and will pave the way for reforms so that it can regain the trust of the Arab and international community,” he added.

For his part, Derian expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia, Arab and friendly countries, parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and all MPs and Lebanese leaderships for their efforts to ensure that the election was held.

He praised them for adhering to the constitution and Taif Accord and Arab principles related to Lebanon’s identity.

“The election of a president puts Lebanon on the path of political breakthroughs that will be followed up with the formation of a new government, revival of state institutions and return of stability,” he remarked.

After meeting al-Rahi, Bukhari said he hoped Aoun’s term will be that of “national consensus and unity, prosperity, development and stability.”

“Saudi Arabia will stand by Lebanon, its people and president,” he stressed.

Al-Rahi expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Ambassador and the quintet for their efforts to ensure that the election is held, wishing Aoun success in his national missions to revive Lebanon and resolve its crises.