The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent cables of condolence to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the death of Sheikh Ibrahim bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, may God have mercy on him. This diplomatic gesture reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical ties that bind the two kingdoms and their brotherly peoples.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ telegram read: “We have learned of the death of Sheikh Ibrahim bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa – may God have mercy on him – and we send to Your Majesty and to the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy. We ask God Almighty to have mercy on him and forgive him, and to grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and to protect you from all harm. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”.
The Crown Prince also sent a similar cable of condolences to His Majesty the King of Bahrain, in which he said: “I received the news of the death of Sheikh Ibrahim bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa - may God have mercy on him - and I send to Your Majesty and to the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, asking the Almighty to grant him His vast mercy and forgiveness, and to place him in His spacious Paradise, and to protect you from all harm, for He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.”.
Historical context of established relations
Saudi-Bahraini relations are a unique model of regional diplomacy, built on solid foundations of shared history, familial ties, and a common destiny. These relations have deep historical roots and were significantly strengthened with the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981, which provides a strategic framework for cooperation and coordination between the two countries in all political, economic, and security fields. The King Fahd Causeway, linking the two countries, stands as a living symbol of this close bond, facilitating not only the movement of people and goods but also deepening the social and cultural ties between the two nations.
The importance of the event and its diplomatic impact
The exchange of condolences between the leaderships of the two countries on such occasions is not merely a matter of protocol, but rather a continuous affirmation of solidarity and unity in times of both prosperity and adversity. Domestically, this gesture reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and close ties between the two ruling families. Regionally, it sends a clear message about the strength and cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly in light of the challenges facing the region. These actions also highlight the importance of personal diplomacy between the leaders in maintaining stable bilateral relations and guiding them towards greater cooperation and coordination, thus serving common interests and contributing to enhanced security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region.
