Aseela, Aug. 8 (BNA) His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa paid tribute to Moroccan monarch King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people for hosting Bahrain as guest of honour of the 36th edition of Aseela International Cultural Forum which kicked off today in Aseela city.

Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa gave a speech on behalf of HM the King in the inaugural symposium held under the theme ” the National State and Regional Unions in the World of the South” which was attended by leaders of many countries, Prime Ministers, former ministers, politicians, intellectuals, authors, artists and other guests.

HM the King lauded strong fraternal relations between Bahrain and Morocco underscoring the importance of the theme of the symposium for the elites and decision makers in the world of the north and south.

He stressed Bahrain’s pioneering participation in the forum’s previous editions, underlining the leading role played by Bahraini intellectuals, writers, artists and media persons in cementing cultural and humanitarian ties between Bahrain and Morocco.

HM said Bahrain was among the first founders of the Gulf Cooperation Council out of belief that forming blocs is not an easy option unless it takes into consideration common denominators and the popular will. He added that attaining common goals has one way which is ruling on a democratic basis.

HM the King reiterated Bahrain’s strong resolve to walk the path of democracy with constant and fast-paced steps, pointing out that Bahrain has gone a long way in this regard. HM said that dispersion of countries, scattered efforts and closed-door policies are major challenges facing countries politically and economically.

He underlined the need for concerted efforts and to avail of other experiences to achieve people’s aspiration for progress and prosperity.

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