Amman, May 12 (Petra) -- Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said his country takes pride in its close fraternal ties and deep-rooted historical relations with Jordan, which continue to grow stronger through the commitment of both countries' leadership to advancing cooperation in ways that serve their mutual interests.

The remarks came during King Hamad's meeting on Tuesday with Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez and his accompanying delegation during an official visit to Bahrain, according to a Senate statement.

Al-Fayez conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah II and HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and their wishes for King Hamad's continued health and for Bahrain's lasting security, stability and prosperity under his leadership.

King Hamad welcomed the Senate president and highlighted the importance of such visits in supporting parliamentary cooperation and fraternal coordination on various issues, as well as facilitating the exchange of parliamentary expertise and experience for the benefit of both countries.

He praised His Majesty's efforts in strengthening Bahraini-Jordanian relations and commended Jordan's steadfast positions in support of Bahrain and its people. He also lauded Jordan's role in promoting joint Arab action, supporting peace efforts and enhancing security and stability in the region.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest, particularly current events in the Middle East.

For his part, Al-Fayez thanked King Hamad for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and for his continued commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding Bahraini-Jordanian coordination and cooperation across all fields.

Al-Fayez renewed Jordan's solidarity with Bahrain and its condemnation of what he described as Iran's "malicious attacks." He said Jordan stands by Bahrain and supports all measures it takes to protect its sovereignty, security, stability, territorial integrity and citizens.

He said Jordan values its strategic and longstanding brotherly relations with Bahrain and remains committed to further strengthening and expanding cooperation at all levels.

Al-Fayez said His Majesty King Abdullah has consistently affirmed Jordan's support for Bahrain and its people and Jordan's rejection of any interference in Bahrain's internal affairs by any party. He added that the king has repeatedly stressed that the security and stability of Bahrain and the Gulf states are an integral part of Jordan's own security and stability.

"Our visit to Bahrain, at the kind invitation of the Chairman of the Shura Council, reflects our shared commitment to advancing bilateral relations, opening new horizons for economic, investment and parliamentary cooperation, and continuing coordination on issues of common concern at the Arab and regional levels," Al-Fayez said.

He said Jordanian-Bahraini relations are historic and deeply rooted, based on mutual respect and the shared interests of the two countries and peoples, and serve as a model of fraternal ties marked by growing cooperation across various sectors.

Al-Fayez also thanked King Hamad for his ongoing efforts to advance Jordanian-Bahraini relations and broaden prospects for joint economic and investment cooperation.

The meeting, attended by a number of senators and Jordan's Ambassador to Bahrain Rami Wreikat, also involved discussions on the latest regional and international developments of mutual concern.

//Petra// AF