Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received the Iranian Culture and Religoius Guidance Minister and his delegation.

They reviewed the latest regional and international developments and issues of common interest.

The minister conveyed greetings of Mr Ahmedinejad and First Vice-President Parviz Davudi.

The Premier lauded distinguished relations between Bahrain and Iran and their progress in various fields.

He stressed the need to intensify the exchange of visits and meetings between officials from both countries, given the regional and international situation.

He praised efforts towards maintaining regional security and stability and thanked everyone for supporting Arab issues and the Palestinian cause. The minister renewed Iranian leaders' invitation to the Premier to visit his country.