Premier receives UN-Habitat delegation

Manama, Dec. 7 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa commended the efforts of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in supporting countries to attain the sustainable urban development goals and boost people's welfare worldwide. He was speaking as he received at Gudaibiya Palace today a top-profile delegation from the UN-Habitat led by the UN-Assistant Secretary General and the programme's Deputy Executive Director Dr. Aisha Kacyira on the occasion of their visit to Bahrain to attend the programme's meeting on strategic partnership with Bahrain. HRH the Prime Minister underscored the importance of concerted international efforts to back the UN humanitarian projects to carry out the sustainable development goals mainly in poor and most needy countries. He hailed the UN-Habitat delegation's visit to the kingdom, praising strong ties binding Bahrain and the programme. He wished the UN-Habitat every success in achieving its noble goals, asserting Bahrain's unwavering support to all efforts aimed at promoting people's welfare and ensuring a secure and stable life. HRH the Premier urged to dedicate resources and capabilities to serving the development goals and tackling contemporary challenges by contributing effectively to ending conflicts and bolstering international security and stability. Dr. Aisha paid tribute to HRH the Prime Minister for winning four highly prestigious UN Awards in recognition of his diligent efforts to implement comprehensive housing policies, fast-track urban development and reduce poverty. She lauded Bahrain's accomplishments which won international respect and appreciation. She voiced the programme's appreciation of HRH the Premier's support to Palestine, affirming Bahrain's outstanding role in boosting the UN-Habitat's capabilities to honour its obligations towards the Palestinian people. She also commended the award launched by HRH the Premier in 2008 to encourage countries all over the world to exert more efforts in the housing and urban development field. The UN-Habitat delegation presented HRH the Prime Minister with a commemorative gift in tribute for his support to the programme's activities to help the Palestinian people.