Damascus, Dec.16 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Republic congratulated the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of its National Day, which comes on December 16.

 “The Syrian Arab Republic, while expressing pride in the deep brotherly ties that unite the two countries, wishes the Kingdom of Bahrain continued security and stability, further progress and prosperity, and its brotherly people the achievement of their aspirations for development and well-being,” Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement affirmed Syria’s keenness to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the Kingdom of Bahrain in various fields, in a way that serves common interests and enhances joint Arab action.

The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates its National Day on December 16 each year, commemorating independence from British occupation in 1971, the day on which the Bahraini people regained their sovereignty.

This date also coincides with the anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s assumption of power, giving the celebration a dual significance: recalling the glorious national past while reaffirming the ongoing path of reform and development witnessed in Bahrain.

Mazen