HRH Crown Prince hosts India’s top Orthodox leader during GCC summit

HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa hosted GCC delegations and India’s top Orthodox leader during a day of Gulf unity. The events took place at Gudaibiya Palace as Bahrain continued to host GCC meetings under its presidency of the 46th Supreme Council session, known as the “Bahrain Summit.” The Crown Prince met with heads of delegations attending three concurrent GCC gatherings focused on civil service, labour, and social affairs. These meetings were accompanied by GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. The Crown Prince reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening joint Gulf cooperation under HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise in labour, social development, and civil service to achieve tangible progress in line with GCC leaders’ aspirations. Delegation heads conveyed greetings from GCC leaders and expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s continued dedication to regional integration.

In a separate audience, HRH Crown Prince Salman received His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Supreme Head of the Indian Orthodox Church. This meeting highlighted Bahrain’s tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence under King Hamad’s leadership. His Holiness praised the Kingdom’s role as a global model of pluralism. The visit underscored the significance of interfaith diplomacy and the shared values between Bahrain and the Indian Orthodox Church.

Bahrain conferred its prestigious Golden Residency on His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, a landmark gesture presented personally by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad. This honour marked a proud moment for the global Malankara Orthodox Church and Bahrain’s Indian community. The recognition coincided with His Holiness’s visit to preside over the 68th annual parish feast at St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral in Manama. His Holiness thanked King Hamad and the Crown Prince, describing Bahrain as a beacon of religious freedom and coexistence.

Both meetings were attended by senior officials, including Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who was present for the GCC talks. The events reflected Bahrain’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and interfaith harmony, aligning with its broader diplomatic efforts.

The visit of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III to Bahrain also highlighted the growing ties between the Kingdom and the Indian Orthodox Church. The Golden Residency conferred on His Holiness symbolizes the recognition of the church’s contributions to religious and cultural exchanges. It also underscores the importance of religious leaders in promoting peace and mutual understanding, as emphasized in Proverbs 18:17, which speaks to the value of justice and fairness in human relations.

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