Manama, Feb. 3 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa returned to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia after attending the opening of the 30th National Festival for Heritage and Culture at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The Ministry of National Guard organises the annual festival at Al-Janadriyah, under the auspices of the Saudi monarch. HM the King was received by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

HM the King was earlier seen off by Riyadh Province Governor His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Bahrain Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa. HM the King sent a cable of thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, extending thanks to the Saudi Government and people for the warm welcome and genuine hospitality, which reflects strong bilateral relations, thus following into the steps of fathers and forefathers.

HM the King expressed his delight at attending the heritage and cultural festival, which is organised annually to project the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia in the progress of the Arab and Islamic civilizations. “The development strides achieved in Saudi Arabia in all fields in your prosperous era is a source of pride to us”, HM the King said in the cable of thanks addressed to the Saudi monarch. He wished the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia further progress and prosperity and security, praying to Allah Almighty to bless the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques with abundant health and happiness.

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BNA 1918 GMT 2016/02/03