King Hamad Bin Isa confers the First Class Medal of Independence on Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed.

During his reception of Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan at Sakhir Palace, on the occasion of the end of his tenure as the UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, King Hamad stressed the depth and the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Bahrain leaderships and brotherly peoples.

Moreover, he emphasised the keenness of both nations in continuing to strengthen and develop bonds in various fields, based on strong mutual historical ties, underscoring the continued development and prosperity as a result of close cooperation, and coordination that meet the aspirations of the two nations and peoples and achieve their mutual interests.

He praised the distinguished position the UAE holds at the regional and international levels, and the achievements it has attained including an all-encompassing and excellent performance in all sectors under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and wished the UAE and its people security, stability, prosperity and progress.

On his part, Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan expressed his pride and gratitude to King Hamad for conferring the Medal. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation for King Hamad's role and keenness in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan extended his sincere appreciation to King Hamad and Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the support and cooperation he encountered during his tenure in Bahrain. He also thanked the government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the warm welcome they extended to him, wishing both the government and people of Bahrain continued progress, and prosperity.

WAM