Manama, Sep. 11 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Fahd National Library, visited the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), where he was received by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat, along with the Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed commended the historic and growing ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted Bahrain-Saudi relations as a model of solidarity and strategic partnership rooted in deep ties and shared destiny, and highlighted the significance of the visit coinciding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming 95th National Day and its development achievements. He emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation with Saudi Arabia, describing it as the cornerstone of Gulf and Arab unity, and a pillar of regional and international security and stability.

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed commended HRH Prince Faisal’s role in the Arab cultural and media sectors, and preserving Saudi national heritage and Arab and Islamic history through the development of the King Abdulaziz Foundation and King Fahd National Library. He emphasised Derasat’s efforts, guided by Bahrain’s royal vision and government directives, to expand academic and research cooperation with Saudi cultural, intellectual, and media institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and reinforcing their joint regional and global leadership.

On his part, HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman emphasised that Saudi-Bahraini relations transcend political and economic partnership, embodying a shared history and common destiny. He noted that academic and intellectual cooperation between institutions in both countries serves to further consolidate these deep-rooted ties across all sectors.

HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman expressed appreciation for Derasat’s contributions to strategic and intellectual studies, reflecting Bahrain’s advanced standing in knowledge investment as a foundation for development and future-building.

Addiotnally, HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman also noted the alignment of visions between Saudi cultural and intellectual institutions, including the King Abdulaziz Foundation, the King Fahd National Library, and Derasat, in advancing cooperation, coordination, and joint initiatives to preserve national memory, safeguard Arab and Islamic identity, and support research in security, energy, and sustainable development.

During his visit, HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman met with Derasat staff, reviewed its main programs and strategic initiatives, and praised the center’s role in building a comprehensive knowledge environment that supports regional issues and enhances Bahrain’s international research presence.

Z.H, A.J