HM King commends legislature, highlights mounting challenges

Manama, Feb. 16 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa commended the efforts of the legislative branch in assuming its constitutional responsibilities and exercising its monitoring and legislative role in order the serve the nation and citizens and promote the democratic march. HM the King was speaking as he received at Sakhir Palace today Representatives Council Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, their Deputies and members of the parliamentary committee in charge of replying to the royal keynote speech who submitted to him the parliamentary reply to the royal address during the inauguration of the second session of the fourth legislative term. The delegation extended heartfelt congratulations to HM the King on the 15th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC), wishing him abundant good health and happiness and more progress and prosperity to Bahrain. HM King Hamad praised the parliamentary efforts to serve the comprehensive development march and boost national unity and consensus by catering for citizens' needs and upgrading legislation. "Bahrain proved to be united and deserves to be proud of its experience and the Bahraini competencies who give confidence and assurance of its future and development," HM said. He also lauded citizens' patriotic feelings shown during Bahrain's celebration of the 15th anniversary of the National Action Charter. "Bahrain is going ahead to bring about more growth and deepen the foundations of citizenship on the basis of justice, equality and equal opportunities," HM the King pledged, underlining the need for more cooperation between the three branches to maximize achievements and boost citizens' welfare. HM King Hamad hailed the content of the parliamentary reply, stressing its role in promoting the democratic and development process. "Bahrain will always remain the land of goodness, cooperation and co-existence," he said. HM the King discussed with the audience local issues, including ways of developing institutional work to achieve forecast goals. He pointed out regional and economic challenges and the need for concerted efforts to overcome them. The Representatives Council praised the royal speech, describing it as a roadmap for the next phase of national work and the democratic march spearheaded by HM the King. It reiterated commitment to working diligently alongside the executive branch to ensure success of the democratic experience in Bahrain, foster security and stability, consolidate national unity and bolster cooperation between the three branches. The council commended the royal directives to deal wisely with the local and regional situation and tackle economic challenges without compromising citizens' welfare. The Council of Representatives lauded the efforts of the government led by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the support of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. The Council of Representatives vowed to develop cooperation with the executive branch to contribute to boosting partnership among all authorities. It expressed resolve to continue fighting terrorism and extremism for the maintenance of national security and stability. It welcomed the royal initiative to set the Martyrs Day on the 17th of December to coincide with the Accession to the Throne anniversary, which comes in recognition of their sacrifices which will always remain as a beacon in Bahrain's history. It highlighted strengthening Bahraini-Arab relations and the need to actively participate in supporting Arab issues. It expressed admiration for the brave BDF servicemen who are fighting alongside Gulf and Arab armed forces defending Yemen's legitimacy and warding off dangers target destabilizing its security. It stressed promoting efforts to maintain Yemen's unity and social cohesion. It underlined rejection of the foreign interference in Bahrain's internal affairs. it called for solving Arab differences by resorting to Arab collective action. It also called for the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause, as well as supporting their cause in the international forums. The parliamentary committee to respond to the Royal speech consist of the following MPs, Ali Al-Muqlla; Ali Bu-Farsan; Ibrahim Al-Hammadi; Osama Al-Khaja; Jalal Khadhim; Roua Al-Haiki; Fatima Al-Asfoor; Abdulhameed Al-Najar; Ali Al-Otaish; Majeed Al-Asfoor; Mohammed Al-Maarfi and Mohammed Al-Jowder. The Shura Council commended the royal keynote speech, hailing the stance of HM the King who appreciated the efforts of the legislative branch of government in exercising its constitutional and democratic role. In a statement today, it lauded the National Action Charter (NAC) which represents one of the fruits of the reform project and a model of democratic practice at its best. "The royal address addressed fast-changing political developments and exceptional regional conditions which took their toll on Bahrain's national economy", the statement said. The Shura Council lauded the royal directives to merge certain ministries and government departments as part of efforts to ease up the financial burden on the government without affecting people's livelihoods or the standard of services. It commended the firm stance of the king to continue the march of national work, despite difficult financial conditions, and pursue the development programmes in all sectors which benefit citizens, citing infrastructure projects, education, health and housing. It extended thanks to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa for his pivotal role in developing the Government's work, carrying out development projects. It also commended the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier to revitalise all sectors so as they can withstand economic volatility. The council backed the drive to build a promising future for the coming generations to ensure the means of decent living standards for all citizens. It expressed confidence in HM the King's approach in confronting plots, acts of terrorism, rioting, sabotage and vandalism targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain. "HM the King's sound policy has paid off as it succeeded in maintaining Bahrain's security and stability", it said, paying tribute to loyal citizens for their awareness and rejection of these heinous acts which are alien to their national heritage and traditions. It noted the blatant foreign interference in Bahrain's internal affairs, cautioning against the subversive designs and mounting threats that endanger regional security and stability. The council backed all the measures and defining steps taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to affirm legitimacy and thwart foreign interference and designs in Yemen through the Operation Decisive Storm and the Operation Restoring Hope. It took pride in the participation of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) units alongside the GCC states and other Arab countries to defend legitimacy in Yemen. The council hailed the royal directives which reiterated commitment to the humanitarian relief aid which helped alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. It hailed the dedication of brave Bahraini soldiers who are in the frontlines with their brethren to defend an Arab country, paying tribute to the BDF martyrs who fell in the line of duty. It took pride in the royal directives to announce December 17 as an annual Martyrs' Day, coinciding with the anniversary of HM the King's accession to the throne. It also paid tribute to the BDF, National Guard and the Interior Ministry, hailing the initiative of the Ministry of Education to incorporate these sacrifices and dedicated duties in the curricula so as to continue inspiring generations to come and foster the spirit of loyalty to national and allegiance to the wise leadership among school students.