Bahraini king attends dinner banquet

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today attended a dinner banquet hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee of the Republic of India at the presidential palace in New Delhi, in honor of HM the King on the occasion of his current official visit to India.HM the King was received by the Indian President, Prime Minister and the government's officials.The Indian President, in his speech, welcomed HM the King and the accompanying delegation on his first official visit to India.He praised the deep-rooted bilateral relations and the historical trade relations among the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Indus Valley and Dilmun.He appreciated Bahrain's support provided for a high number of Indian workers in Bahrain, who dedicatedly contributed to Bahrain's progress and development process.He wished the high-level official delegation accompanying HM the King success in meeting the Indian side, noting the Indian economic and technological achievements in the previous two decades. He hailed the progress and development materialized in Bahrain and asserted his country's commitment to be a reliable partner in Bahrain's development projects, stressing broadening aspects of cooperation, including health care, environment, education, information technology and renewable energy sources.He affirmed promoting peace and stability in the Gulf region and West Asia, adding the joint security cooperation has added a new dimension to the two countries' relations, which reflects a mutual security cooperation vision to face extremism and piracy. He concluded by lauding HM the King's efforts in promoting the bilateral relations, wishing HM the King well-being and for the people of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.His Majesty the King expressed happiness about his first visit to India at an invitation by its President.He thanked the Indian President for his welcoming speech and warm hospitality which reflects strong relations between the two friendly countries.He lauded the key role played by India in fostering international security and stability, combating international terrorism and boosting respect of countries’ sovereignty.He commended longstanding and growing relations between Bahrain and India and both countries’ keenness to further bolster bilateral cooperation in various fields.HM the King asserted keen interest to work side by side with India in promoting peace, tolerance and inter-cultural dialogue worldwide.He also praised the key role and contribution of the Indian community to Bahrain’s development, underlining their importance as an essential part of the society.He lauded India’s support to just causes and its unwavering support to the Arab rights, including the Palestinians’ legitimate right to establish their independent state with its capital Al-Quds.HM King Hamad invited the Indian President to visit Bahrain to continue the march of joint work in the best interest of the two friendly countries.