PM receives Austrian honour

Manama : The Royal Habsburg Family and the Hollabrunn City Council of Austria awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece to Bahrain Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in recognition of his efforts to support humanitarian activities and advocate peace.

On behalf of HRH the Premier, Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa received the award during a grand ceremony held at Schoenbrunn Palace in Autrian capital Vienna.

The ceremony commemorated the 100th anniversary of the death of Austria’s Emperor Franz Josef, the longest-serving monarch in the history of Europe. 

The event was attended by Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete, senior members of the Habsburg Family and more than 200 guests.

The Guests of Honour also included the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Prince Laurent, representative of Belgium, former Austrian Defence Minister, ambassadors accredited to Austria and aristocrats.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa addressed the ceremony, on behalf of HRH the Premier. He hailed the landmark strides achieved by Austria owing to the principles and foundations laid by Emperor Franz Josef for the sake of his country and people.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa conveyed greetings from HRH the Premier, wishing the Republic of Austria and its people further progress and prosperity.