Well, this definitely goes into the odd news category, however it’s a very kind gesture from a little country in the Middle East within the Persian Gulf.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain had the following to say about Costa Rica’s Independence Day celebrations today, through the official Bahrain news Agency:

“His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa dispatched a congratulatory cable to Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Chinchilla Miranda the President of the Republic of Costa Rica on the occasion of her country’s independence anniversary.

In the cable, His Majesty the King expressed utmost felicitations and best wishes of good health to Her Excellency the Costa Rican President.”

About King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain:

Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa is the King of Bahrain (since 14 February 2002), having previously been its Emir (from 6 March 1999). He is the son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the previous Emir. The country has been run by the al-Khalifa dynasty since 1783.

About the country of Bahrain:

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago with Bahrain Island the largest land mass at 55 km (34 mi) long by 18 km (11 mi) wide. Saudi Arabia lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the King Fahd Causeway while Iran lies 200 km (124 mi) to the north across the Gulf. The peninsula of Qatar is to the southeast across the Gulf of Bahrain. The planned Qatar Bahrain Causeway will link Bahrain and Qatar and become the world’s longest marine causeway. The population in 2010 stood at 1,234,571, including 666,172 non-nationals.

Article by Bahrain News Agency