Moscow, Dec. 14 (BNA): Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Bishop Niphon Saikali of Philipopolis, Antioch Patriarch’s representative to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

The bells of the church rang on arrival of the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Antioch Church in Moscow in tribute to His Majesty the King. Bishop Niphon Saikali affirmed his great respect to His Majesty King Hamad, wishing him abundant good health.

Bishop Niphon Saikali said during the meeting that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, represents a pioneering model of community harmony, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He lauded the outstanding care given by His Majesty the King to human rights, religious freedom and freedom of opinion and expression which turned Bahrain into a model of openness on different civilisations and cultures.

Shaikh Khalid expressed thanks and appreciation for the sincere sentiments of Bishop Niphon Saikali towards His Majesty the King and the people of Bahrain, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to consolidating cooperation and friendship between people within the framework of mutual respect and renunciation of all forms of extremism and violence.

Bishop Niphon Saikali asked the Foreign Minister to convey his greetings to HM King Hamad as well as his best wishes to the Bahraini people of further security, progress and prosperity. (MOFA)

A O Q

BNA 1931 GMT 2015/12/14