Vatican, September 29 /BNA/ His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is keen to enhance friendship and cooperation relations with the Vatican City State, contributing to the consolidation of values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity among nations and peoples. His Highness pointed to the importance of developing work paths and joint coordination in various fields and advancing them towards broader horizons to achieve common goals and interests.

This came during His Highness’s meeting today with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pope of the Vatican, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Royal Court, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and a number of senior officials, as part of His Highness’s official visit to the Vatican City State and the Italian Republic. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty the King to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and wished the Vatican continued prosperity, while His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sent his greetings to His Majesty the King and wished the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity.

His Highness pointed out that the mosques, churches, and temples gathered on the land of Bahrain represent a living symbol of peace, harmony, and freedom of worship, embodying the spirit of openness and dialogue among civilizations and cultures that characterize Bahraini society.

His Highness highlighted the prominent role played by the Vatican City State in promoting coexistence and supporting dialogue and understanding, affirming that these efforts contribute to strengthening the values of human brotherhood around which various religions and civilizations converge. His Highness expressed his appreciation for the sincere efforts exerted by His Holiness the Pope in supporting paths of coexistence and plurality, spreading values of tolerance, love, and peace, wishing His Holiness continued health, happiness, and success in his benevolent and humanitarian endeavors.

His Highness reviewed with His Holiness the bilateral relations and prospects for joint cooperation serving humanitarian issues, and the common values between the two sides were confirmed, represented in enhancing values of tolerance, coexistence, fraternity, and dialogue.