The 44th National Day of Bahrain and the sixteenth anniversary of his Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's accession to the throne was celebrated in a grand manner in Washington, DC by the kingdom's embassy in the US.  

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the US, Shaikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, hosted a reception to mark the occasion at the Ritz Carlton which was attended by the ambassadors and foreign diplomats besides business leaders, military officials and senior politicians. Attendees were also treated to a slide show of Bahrain's landmarks and traditional food from the kinngdom's heritage.

A stunning centerpiece of the room featured a tribute to Bahrain's pride, its pearling industry. The contemporary art installation, SEA, by artist Hala Al Khalifa, had been recently featured in the cultural exhibition A Tale of Two Seas: From Dilmun to Bahrain.

Speaking at the occasion, Shaikh Abdulla expressed confidence and pride in the country's progress and reform, and recognised Bahrain's greatest asset - its people.

"On behalf of His Majesty, the Government, and the people of Bahrain, let us celebrate that we have built a modern country founded on progressive ideals and look forward to a very bright future that promises expanded freedoms and opportunity for all," he stated

He stressed that Bahrain and the US have both shared an important historical partnership for a long time. In the midst of regional security challenges, this year's event was an important opportunity to celebrate the US-Bahrain relationship and the continued successful cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and combatting terrorism and extremism worldwide, he added.

"Bahrain looks forward to deepening dialogue and coordination with their friends in the United States on other issues of mutual interest, such as trade, education, and cultural exchanges," he added.

Bahrain officially commemorates National Day on December 16. This year the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities has organised a full program of multiple events across the island from December 15 to 23.-TradeArabia News Service