New Delhi - BNA
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the Mahatma Gandhi Shrine in the Indian Capital. His Majesty was accompanied by the Indian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also the Head of the Mission of Honour.Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by the Shrine’s Secretary-General and Vice Chief of Protocols from the Indian Foreign Ministry. His Majesty the King laid down a wreath at the Shrine of the late Mahatma Gandhi and paused for a minute in silence according to ancient Indian tradition.In conclusion of the visit, His Majesty the King inscribed a speech on the Record of Honour in which His Majesty expressed utmost delight to visit the friendly Republic of India and to meet with H.E. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and senior Indian government officials. His Majesty expressed gratitude and appreciation of the warm welcoming reception he had received since arrival.His Majesty also expressed delight to register a word lauding the late leader Mahatma Gandhi who believed in his cause which he pursued until he realized. Mahatma Gandhi was peaceful, tolerant and forgiving. Gandhi enabled India to maintain its own unity and cultural diversity, His Majesty said. His Majesty also expressed admiration towards the everlasting heritage of Gandhi’s career, principles and also expressed His Majesty’s admiration of the great Indian nation.The Shrine’s Secretary-General presented a memorial gift to His Majesty the King: some of Mahatma Gandhi's books and a sculpture.