Cabinet lauds royal speech, praises anti-terror Islamic Alliance

Manama, Dec. 21 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has lauded the address delivered by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa marking the National and Accession Days, praising the royal visions and stances on national, regional and international issues. HRH the Prime Minister lauded the kingdom's civilisational achievements and political, economic, social and human rights gains under HM King Hamad's leadership, stressing that the government will implement the royal directives and do its utmost to shield Bahrain from the negative effects of the economic and security situation through which the region and the world are currently going. The Prime Minister also praised the statement made by HM King Hamad during the first Commemoration Day, affirming that the patriotism and dedication of those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation will always be recalled. Chairing at the Gudaibiya Palace today the regular weekly cabinet session, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Premier extended thanks and appreciation to all ministries and government departments for their participation in the kingdom's celebrations of the National, Accession and Commemorations Days. Commenting on a security briefing presented by the Interior Minister, HRH the Prime Minister commended the tremendous efforts exerted by the security authorities to maintain security and stability during the national celebrations and festivities, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session. On the advent of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), the cabinet extended heartfelt congratulations to HM King Hamad, the Bahraini people and the Arab and Islamic nations, wishing HM the King many happy returns of the auspicious occasion and the Bahraini people further progress and prosperity. The session then welcomed the establishment of an Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism, under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, stressing that the move proves the keenness of Islamic countries and their peoples on supporting the international efforts to fight terrorism which, it stressed, has no religion or country. Then, HRH the Prime Minister reviewed the implementation process of procedures aiming to accelerate the issuance of licenses for investors as well as building permits, and remove all obstacles leading to their delay. The session was informed about the procedures taken by the relevant sides in this regard. On the judiciary, HRH the Prime Minister issued directives to streamline procedures for citizens, residents and visitors who are under travel bans as per court orders for the non-payment of fines. HRH the Prime Minister called for allowing them to pay those sums at Bahrain International Airport, using e-services, to lift their travel bans, and activate the mechanisms approved by the Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, in this regard. The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister briefed the session on the procedures implemented in this respect. On health, HRH Premier reviewed the procedures in force that regulate treatment abroad, instructing the Health Ministry to intensify programmes to bring specialised international medical experts to treat patients in the kingdom, stressing that treatment abroad should be confined to difficult cases that cannot be treated by visiting medical experts. The session welcomed the broadening of cooperation between the kingdom and Russia, citing the bilateral agreements highlighted in a report submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs about his recent visit to Moscow. The session decided to add 13 Arab and African countries to the list of countries whose citizens are allowed to get entry e-visas to the kingdom, which raises the number of those countries to 113. The move, approved by the Executive Committee, led by HRH the Crown Prince, was highlighted in the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Interior. The cabinet also approved the Air Services Agreement between Bahrain and Georgia, and commissioned the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications to sign it on behalf of the kingdom. The session discussed a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives on the working hours in Jidd Hafs Health Centre, and approved the government's reply to it as recommended by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs. On ministerial reports, the session took note of the High-Level Conference on Neutrality, hosted recently by Turkmenistan, through a report by the Foreign Affairs Minister in this regard. The session was also informed about the results of the 95th meeting of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OAPEC), held recently in Cairo, through a report by the Energy Minister. The Industry and Commerce Minister also presented a report on the outcomes of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), held recently in Nairobi, Kenya. Number of readings : 302 Last updated : 06 : 49 PM - 21/12/2015