MANAMA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa on Tuesday affirmed the kingdom's support for the "brotherly" Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate rights on their lands.

"Bahrain at the official and popular levels supports the Palestinians' right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital," said Khalifa in a statement published by the foreign ministry.

He said Bahrain will continue supporting the Palestinian economy both at bilateral level and international forums.

He explained that the kingdom's hosting of the "Peace for Prosperity" workshop is part of its efforts to empower the Palestinian people through developing their abilities and enhancing their resources.

"The hosting of the workshop serves no other purpose," he added.

The Palestinian leadership had criticized the economic conference in Bahrain, scheduled to take place next month.

"We were not consulted by any party on the announced meeting to take place in Manama, Bahrain," Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said in a statement.

"We have not mandated any party to negotiate on our behalf," Erekat emphasized. Enditem

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