Manama, Nov. 18 (BNA): The Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.
The Cabinet affirmed the importance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and HM’s meeting with King Charles III. The Cabinet highlighted the longstanding Bahrain-UK relations, built on a strong foundation of partnerships that have spanned over 200 years. The Cabinet noted that this enduring partnership was reflected by the reception HM the King received in the UK.
The Cabinet also congratulated HM the King on receiving the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, the highest award of the Royal Victorian Order.
In light of HM the King’s address at the dinner banquet hosted by King Charles III, the Cabinet emphasised the strong deep-rooted Bahrain-UK partnership, underpinned by shared values.
The Cabinet also highlighted King Charles III’s tribute to HM the King’s achievements over the past 25 years, particularly his visionary leadership since the beginning of his reign, which brought forth the National Action Charter. This charter received widespread support and led to the pardon and rehabilitation of thousands of Bahraini citizens. King Charles III’s tribute also emphasised HM the King’s exemplary leadership, genuine care for all Bahraini citizens, regardless of their faiths, and his commitment to making national unity the cornerstone of all his efforts and initiatives.
The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, on the success of the seventh edition of the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, following its launch 14 years ago.
The Cabinet noted that the Airshow’s accomplishments are part of the Kingdom’s achievements within the 25-year reign of HM the King.
The Cabinet commended the efforts of HM the King’s Personal Representative and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in elevating the Airshow’s prestige and competitiveness in the region.
The Cabinet congratulated HM the King and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad on the success of the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, acknowledging the robust international participation, which reflects Bahrain’s strong organisational capabilities. The Cabinet praised the organisational efforts of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the REHC High Committee.
The Cabinet emphasised the importance of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s address at the Extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit, which was delivered on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa by HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla, reiterating Bahrain’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The address also highlighted the Kingdom’s dedication to resolving the Palestinian conflict, recognising it as essential to securing the right of all peoples in the region to live in peace and harmony.
The address also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in ensuring the success of the summit.
The Cabinet extended its congratulations to the leadership, government, and people of the Sultanate of Oman on their National Day, recognising Oman’s development across various sectors under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said.
The Cabinet then discussed several memorandums during the meeting, approving the following:
1- A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding financing the Shaikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Highway Development Project.
2- A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding a draft resolution to add a new member to the Supreme Committee for Disabled Affairs.
3- A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on five memoranda of understanding and an executive cooperation programme between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
4- A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on an MoU and two executive programmes between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.
5- A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning regarding the acquisition of several properties for public benefit and urban development.
6- A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning regarding the launch of new urban planning services through the “Planning” portal.
7- A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on the government’s response to a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives.
The Cabinet then reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the topics for the upcoming 162nd GCC Ministerial Council session, in preparation of the 45th session of the Supreme Council.
In addition, the Cabinet noted the following ministerial reports:
1. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.
2. Outcomes of the eighth session of the Bahrain-Oman Joint Ministerial Committee.
3. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the Sir Bani Yas Forum.
4. Bahrain’s participation in the Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance.
5. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the Ministerial Committee meeting accompanying the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic summit.
6. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
7. Bahrain’s participation in Cityscape Global 2024 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
8. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM).
9. Bahrain’s participation in the 122nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Executive Council in Colombia.
10. Outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in the 40th Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC).
H.F
