President Mahinda Rajapakse met Bahrain Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday and held bilateral discussions.

The two leaders focused attention to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two states. The president also participated in a banquet arranged by the Bahrain leader.

Meanwhile, accepting the highest award of Bahrain “Khalifia Medal” offered by the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President Rajapaksa reiterated that Sri Lanka is dedicated under one flag to achieve the permanent economic prosperity. He reminded that Emir of the new independent Bahrain Sheikh Isa came to Sri Lanka to attend the non aligned summit in 1976 when he was a young parliamentarian. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that the bilateral relations between both the countries have progressed and developed in every sphere.