Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Wednesday paid tribute to Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for approving the new causeway between the two kingdoms and naming it after him.
The planned King Hamad Causeway will be a milestone in the deep-rooted fraternal relations between both countries; it reflects King Abdullah's keenness to further cement the trade and investment relations between both countries, BNA news agency quoted the King as saying.
He made the comments after being briefed at Sakhir Palace on the USD multi-billion project by Minister of Transportation Kamal bin Ahmed in the presence of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa - the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier - and other senior officials and the Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain.
King Hamad underlined the importance of the causeway in invigorating the trade and investment movement and fast-tracking economic development in both countries. He expressed hope the project will add momentum to economic development in both kingdoms, pointing out the role of the new causeway in linking the GCC countries to a modern transportation network.
"The Bahraini-Saudi relations are based on a solid ground laid by the fathers and forefathers out of belief in common goal, destiny, brotherhood and unity," he added.
Meanwhile, the minister of transportation said the total costs of the project will range between USD 3.8 billion and four billion.
"King Hamad Causeway is designed to have a railroad that will link the railway networks of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and be part of the greater GCC railway network," Kamal Bin Ahmad said, noting that the GCC railway network, including the Bahrain-Saudi sector, will cost up to USD 15.4 billion.
"The 20 km long route of the causeway, which will be almost parallel to the existing King Fahad Causeway, will start from an island in northwest Bahrain to east Saudi Arabia," he pointed out.
The minister added that the project will give a strong momentum to the trade and investment exchanges as well as individuals movement between Bahrain and the rest GCC member states.
Source: KUNA