In an arrival statement, King Hamad said he was pleased to visit the Kingdom and meet with King Abdullah for holding consultations and strengthening the fraternal relations between the two GCC neighbors.

He congratulated King Abdullah and the Saudi people on the National Day and wished the Kingdom would achieve greater progress and prosperity.

"We take this opportunity to express our appreciation and gratitude for the content of King Abdullah's speech at the Shoura Council, supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain to maintain its security, stability and national unity and stressing the two countries' deep-rooted brotherly relations," Hamad said.

Highlighting the experience of the Gulf Cooperation Council, he said the security of the GCC countries is one indivisible part and that it is an integrated entity that rejects any interference in its internal affairs.

"We in the Kingdom of Bahrain have great affection and appreciation for Saudi Arabia and on this occasion, we wish King Abdullah health and happiness and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia more progress and prosperity," the Bahraini ruler said.

He added that since the regional, Arab and international latest developments have repercussions on our countries, the consultation in political, economic security and regional stability developments requires us to take positions that protect the interests of our two countries and peoples.

"Bahraini-Saudi relations cannot be confined to words. They are well-established relations that are increasing in strength, durability and prosperity... We express our appreciation and gratitude to King Abdullah for the support received by Bahrain from Saudi Arabia. We appreciate the important Saudi role in support for Bahrain's efforts of development at all levels," Hamad said.