Bahrain has backed Egypt in its call to strengthen joint military co-operation in order to protect the security and stability of Arab countries.

“We agree with Egypt and support its call amid mounting challenges, dangerous threats and fast upheavals,” His Majesty King Hamad said, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He voiced the stance on his arrival at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport to attend 'Egypt Economic Development Conference - Egypt the Future' at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

He was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehlab, Investment Minister Ashraf Salman, South Sinai Governor Major General Khalid Fouda and Bahrain Ambassador to Cairo Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.

The King hailed the call which, he said, reflects Egypt's pioneering role in championing causes, wishing the success of the three-day conference, which opens today, so as to achieve its goals.

He paid a posthumous tribute to the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who called for the conference a few months ago.

He also lauded current Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for continuing the march and backing his predecessor's initiative.

“We, in Bahrain, hold Egypt in special high esteem and value its decades-long role in spearheading Bahrain's development, especially education and health since the 1920s,” the King said, hailing present cultural, legal, economic, educational and health support.

He reiterated Bahrain's firm support to Egypt in times of joy and adversity, so as it could revitalise its economy and reinstate its dynamic growth.

“We share with the Egyptian people their joys and sorrows and we are keen more than ever to consolidate our joint relations,” the King said, adding that a high-level Bahraini delegation representing the public and private sectors would meet their Egyptian counterparts and discuss joint investment projects in tourism, industrial, construction and banking sectors.

Earlier, His Majesty was seen off at Sakhir air base by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, ministers and the Egyptian ambassador to Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service