Erdogan condoles with Bahrain after premier’s demise

By Kaan Bozdogan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkey’s president offered condolences Thursday to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa for the demise of that country’s long-serving prime minister who died Nov. 11.

"Wishing Allah’s mercy upon the late Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan offered his condolences to the Bahrani people and the relatives of the deceased," said a statement from Turkey's Communications Directorate.

In a phone conversation, Erdogan and the king discussed steps aimed at enhancing relations between Turkey and Bahrain, the statement said.

The Turkish leader stated his belief that improving “relations based on the deep-rooted historical social and cultural ties between Turkey and Gulf countries would contribute positively to the solution of many shared issues the region faces," it added.

The Bahraini Royal Court said Wednesday that the prime minister died at age 84 while receiving treatment at a US hospital.

"By order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Royal Court mourns His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, who passed away this morning at Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States of America," the court said in a statement.

It said the premier's funeral will be held in Bahrain and will be limited to family members.

The Gulf state announced one week of mourning during which flags will be flown at half-mast and government institutions will be closed for three days starting Thursday.