Bahrain's firm supportive stances towards the Palestinians highlighted

Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa has reiterated Bahrain's constant readiness to provide all kinds of support to the State of Palestine, in line with its principled stance that the Palestinian cause is the core issue for Arab and Muslim nations. This came as Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla received at the Gudaibiya Palace today the Palestinian Minister of Central Government Dr. Saed Al-Kuni, and his accompanying delegation. The Deputy Premier said that the kingdom's leadership and people are looking forward to more Arab and international efforts that help reach a just, comprehensive and lasting solution that helps the Palestinian people to achieve its "legitimate" aspirations. He expressed delight at the cooperation agreement signed between the two brotherly countries to enhance exchange of expertise and experiences in the agricultural and municipal fields, noting that the agreement, the first of its kind to be signed between a Palestinian government department and an Arab one, reflects the solid Bahraini-Palestinian ties and the kingdom's strong desire to support the Palestinian people with all available means. Shaikh Khalid recalled the key role played by the Palestinians in the kingdom's development march through contributing to the educational sector since the beginning of the 20th century. He also commended the efforts of the Palestinian Ambassador to Bahrain Taha Mohammed Abdulqader to consolidate the solid brotherly ties bonding the two countries' leaderships. The Palestinian Minister expressed delight at the hospitality and warm welcome accorded to him during the visit and praised the unprecedented agreement signed by the Local Government Ministry in his country and the Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in Bahrain, saying that he is looking forward to more agreements in the coming period. He expressed hope that the Kingdom of Bahrain will open an Embassy in Palestine in order to consolidate Arab diplomacy there and strengthen bilateral coordination and cooperation further. He conveyed the greetings of the Palestinian leadership and people to the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing that the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and people welcome "all measure to be taken by the Kingdom for the sake of safeguarding its security and stability." He praised the "unlimited" support and interest of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the Palestinian issue, which, he said, reflects the kingdom's firm stances towards the Palestinians' inalienable right to set up their independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital. Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Dr. Juma'a bin Ahmed Al Ka'abi and Director-General of the Manama Municipality Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa attended