President Nathan conferred "Al-Khalifa Order"
in Bahrain
By Joanne Chan | Posted: 22
November 2010 2120 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
Related News 
•
President Nathan arrives in Bahrain •
President Nathan on state visit to Bahrain
Twitter 
Digg
MANAMA, Bahrain : Singapore President S R Nathan was
conferred the highest honour in Bahrain by King Hamad Isa Al
Khalifa on Monday afternoon.
This is in recognition of the close ties between the two countries
and Singapore's sharing of experience with Bahrain.
A rousing welcome awaited President Nathan at the Gudaibiya Palace
on Monday afternoon.
He was warmly received by King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa and proceeded
to inspect the guard of honour.
This was the first meeting between the two heads of state.
Mr Nathan was then conferred the "Al-Khalifa Order".
Mr Nathan is the first Singapore head of state to visit Bahrain,
and is also the first Singaporean to receive the prestigious award.
In accepting the honour, Mr Nathan said he was deeply humbled and
noted that relations between the two countries have developed in
the last 25 years.
King Hamad also hosted a luncheon in President Nathan's
honour.
During their meeting, President Nathan and King Hamad re-affirmed
the excellent state of relations between Bahrain and
Singapore.
They also exchanged views on regional and international
developments.
President Nathan reiterated his invitation for King Hamad to visit
Singapore.
Earlier, Mr Nathan was briefed on Bahrain's economic plans by the
chief executive officer of its Economic Development Board.
Shaikh Mohammad Essa Al Khalifa spoke of Bahrain's economic
strategies to realise its 2030 vision of diversifying the country's
economy and reducing its dependency on oil.
Mr Nathan was later called on by Bahrain's Prime Minister, Prince
Khalifa Salman Al Khalifa.
The two leaders last met in Singapore seven years ago.
They discussed subjects of mutual interest and agreed that Bahrain
and Singapore should co-operate even more closely.
Meanwhile, President Nathan visited a traditional Bahrain bazaar,
or souk, on Monday evening.
Local residents and school children lined the walkways of the Bab
Al-Bahrain to greet the president.
He was also welcomed with traditional musical performances.
During his tour of the souk, Mr Nathan viewed some craftsmen at
work and looked at Bahraini handicraft.
Mr Nathan and the rest of the Singapore delegation, including
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, also visited a
temple.
- CNA/ms