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Irish President Mary McAleese joined the kingdom's Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Irish Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe and former Taoiseach Dr Garrett Fitzgerald to mark the official opening of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's new state-of-the-art teaching facility.
The new premises at Buseiteen is the culmination of four-and-a-half years of work since the Royal College was officially founded in Bahrain in temporary premises in 2004.
However, speaking of the history of medical co-operation between the two island nations, President McAleese said: "For all of us this marks a very important milestone in the 30-year relationship between Ireland's distinguished Royal College of Surgeons and the government of Bahrain. For the people of Bahrain today is a welcome landmark in the delivery of healthcare education in the Gulf.
"The work of the RCSI Medical University of Bahrain did not begin in this magnificent building with its beautifully interwoven Celtic designs and Islamic motifs.
"It all started over four years ago much more modestly in temporary premises in the Seef district which were opened by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. It opened with 27 students. Today 540 full and part-time students from 30 countries enjoy these elegant and outstanding facilities. While the building speaks eloquently of how well the Celtic and Islamic heritages sit together, the work that goes on here speaks volumes about how well the Irish and the Bahrainis work together.
"The facilities of the Medical University of Bahrain are among the most modern available anywhere in the world but they draw on a scientific Arab heritage that is among the most ancient and influential in the world. Much of today's medicine has its historical roots in Arab science of the Middle Ages. Al Kindi demonstrated the application of mathematics to medicine, particularly pharmacology. Abu Al Qasim is regarded as the father of modern surgery. Al Nafees was the first to describe coronary and pulmonary circulation - some three centuries before Harvey. And the legendary Ibn Sina, sometimes known as, Avicenna, is considered the father of modern medicine.
"There is a link with Ireland here, for records of the enormous Arab contributions to the physical sciences, mathematics and particularly medicine, can be found in the historical manuscripts preserved in Dublin.
"I commend Shaikh Khalifa for his exemplary vision in supporting this partnership with the RCSI, from the very start. His Highness has contributed enormously to the welfare of his own and other nations - his deep commitment to the health care of the people of Bahrain is very evident. Ireland is grateful for the trust you have placed in us and in our renowned Royal College and for this chance to prove the great value of international partnerships placed fully and entirely at the service of humanity."
In his speech the college's president, Professor Kevin O'Malley, also thanked the Prime Minister, who has been closely involved with the project from the start and used two traditional greetings 'Cead mile failte roimh go leir' which means 100 thousand welcomes to you all in Irish and the traditional Arab greeting Ahlan Wa Sahlan which has a similar meaning.
