In a final communiqué issued after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s two-day visit to Manama, the two countries rejected using negotiation as a way to bargain with pirates.

“The two leaders discussed regional and international issues of common interest, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on latest developments,” the communiqué said. The two sides expressed satisfaction over existing Saudi-Bahraini relations and hoped these ties would reach new heights in the future.

The two countries denounced the continuing Israeli siege on the Palestinians, especially those in the Gaza Strip. They urged the European Union and United States to play their roles to restart the Middle East peace process using the Arab peace plan as the basis.

“Israel must be told to remove the obstacles facing the peace process, such as its unilateral actions and settlement policy.”

With regards to Sudan, the two sides emphasized the importance of respecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. They urged Somali groups to reconcile and give priority to their national interests.

They welcomed the relative improvement in the security situation inside Iraq and expressed their readiness to cooperate with Iraqi authorities in confronting terrorism.

King Abdullah left Manama earlier in the day after a second round of talks with King Hamad. The talks were attended by Foreign§ Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and other senior officials. Later, King Abdullah and his delegation visited an equestrian exhibition at Safriya Palace.  The king and his delegation then made the trip to Aziziya Palace in Alkhobar via the King Fahad Causeway.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Sultan presided over a meeting of the Cabinet at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday. The Cabinet underscored King Abdullah’s visit to Bahrain and said it would strengthen bilateral ties.

The Cabinet meeting also noted King Abdullah’s directive to build a SR1 billion medical city under the Arabian Gulf University in Manama, adding that it would improve medical services in the GCC countries.

Social Affairs Minister and Acting Information Minister Yousuf Al-Othaimeen said the Cabinet condemned Israel’s move to deport thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank.

The Cabinet decided to sign an agreement with Indonesia for security cooperation and another accord with Finland for cooperation in higher education. Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority Amr Al-Dabbagh has been assigned to sign agreements with Holland, Greece and Cyprus to promote and protect investment.