Safeguarding Bahrain

Manama : His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday said that the government will take all measures to implement His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision to safeguard Bahrain against the forces of destruction and division and achieve new milestones in development.

Chairing the Cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday, HRH Prime Minister lauded the Royal keynote address to the nation on the occasion of the National Days, stressing the government’s keenness on carrying on the development march, noting that the progress pace has accelerated during HM the King’s prosperous era.

The session also extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the citizens and residents for the feelings of joy and happiness they had expressed while participating in the festivities marking the glorious National Days. 

Southern city housing 

Then, the cabinet lauded King Hamad’s order to name the Southern City housing projects, linking Askar, Jau, Al-Dur and their suburbs, as the “Khalifa City”.  After that, the session wished Bahrain and its people further progress, prosperity and stability marking the new Gregorian year, 2018, expressing hope that peace and security will prevail across the world. 

In another context, the Cabinet welcomed the UK Parliament’s recommendation to the British government to designate outlawed Bahraini groups as terrorist organisations. It also valued highly the anti-terror efforts exerted by the UK government.

Condemned

Then, the session strongly condemned the ballistic missile attack carried out by the militias in Yemen on civilians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, describing it as a hostile cowardly attack aimed at subverting Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.

The session lauded the competence of the Saudi air defence and its success in intercepting the missile, reiterating Bahrain’s standing with Saudi Arabia and full-fledged support for all the measures it takes to safeguard its security and stability.

Airport attack

The Cabinet condemned the terrorist attack that had targeted Al-Arish Airport in Egypt, expressing support for the measures it takes to safeguard its security and stability against the danger of terrorism. 

Health services 

On health, HRH the Prime Minister gave directives to strengthen the monitoring system in public and private hospitals to reduce the spread of any infection acquired in them. The Minister of Health was instructed to submit a report on the precautionary measures adopted to prevent infection in hospitals and health centres.

No to plastic bags 

Then, HRH the Prime Minister gave directives to limit wrong practices that affect the land and marine environment. In this regard, the Premier instructed the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to cooperate with the Supreme Council for Environment to develop a plan to avoid the use of the plastic bags.

Instructions were also given to find alternatives for plastic bags and to develop environment-friendly standards for its use. 

Bird flu disease

The Prime Minister gave directives to the Ministry of Health and the competent departments in the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to increase precautionary measures to prevent the transmission of the bird flu disease, as well as to intensify awareness campaigns.

In another context, The Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to follow up on the needs of fishermen in Umm Al-Hassam regarding the provision of harbour securing. The same ministry was asked to take necessary measures regarding the complaints of the Salhia citizens about activities that violate the purpose of land allocation programme and the damage it caused to environmental and health.

Health care MoU 

An MoU on cooperation in the field of health care between Bahrain’s Ministry of Health and India’s Health and Family Welfare Ministry was discussed and referred to ministerial committee during the session. The move followed a memorandum presented by the Minister of Health.

Net Metering 

The Cabinet approved a draft-resolution regulating the linking of renewable energy to the electricity distribution network at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), in order to implement the “Net Metering” System.

“Recommended by the Executive Committee, the draft-resolution regulates the mechanism of linking the electricity produced from renewable energy, including solar power, to the government electricity network,” a memorandum presented by the Electricity and Water Affairs Minister said.

The session also approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy to be signed by the Electricity and Water Affairs Ministry in Bahrain and the Ministry of Renewable Energy in India.

The minister in charge of electricity and water was mandated to sign the MoU.

Other decisions

Approved a draft-law on amending some provisions of Law 33/2006 on sewage disposal and surface water drainage, referred to the Legislative Branch as per a royal decree in 2013.

Endorsed a proposal to appoint military, security and human rights attachés at Bahrain’s embassies.

Returned to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs a draft government reply to a proposal on rules and regulations of travelling to some countries which pose a threat to Bahrain’s security and stability. 

Referred to Council of Representatives:

A draft-law on amending some provisions of Law 20/2002 with respect to the Regulation of Fishing and Exploitation of Marine Resources, 

A draft-law on adding a new article to Decree-Law 40/1999 on GCC citizens’ ownership of built real estates and lands, 

Two draft-laws on amending Articles (3) and (5) of Law 74/2006 on the welfare, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.