MANAMA: The Royal Court last night welcomed the announcement of US President George W Bush's historic visit to Bahrain next month as part of a Middle East tour.
The visit will reinforce excellent ties linking Bahrain and the US and add momentum to their constant progress, the Royal Court affirmed. President Bush's visit to Bahrain comes within the framework of existing consultations, following the Annapolis peace conference, held recently in the US with the aim of shoring up Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The White House announced earlier that President Bush will make his first trip to Israel and the West Bank next month, to help forge a peace deal before he leaves office a year later. The January 8-16 trip will also take him to Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to promote broader Arab-Israeli reconciliation.
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Eid greetings exchanged
MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday exchanged greetings with leaders of Arab and Islamic countries marking the advent of Eid Al Adha. They also received greetings cables from senior ruling family members, Shura president and members, MPs and other leading personalities.
GDN wishes
MANAMA: The directors and staff of the GDN extend their best wishes to His Majesty, the Prime Minister, the Crown Prince and the people of Bahrain on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, which begins today. Government offices, banks and some shops will be closed for the holiday. The GDN will be published throughout.