‘Put in best efforts for people’s welfare’

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, a ceremony yesterday marking the kingdom’s National Day celebrations, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, the 47th anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the 19th anniversary of HM the King’s Accession to the Throne, On arrival at the Al Sakhir Palace, the artillery fired 21 rounds to salute HM the King, who was accompanied by a constellation of cavalry.

HM King Hamad was welcomed by the Commander-in- Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Speaking on the occasion, His Majesty thanked the citizens of the Kingdom for fulfilling national duties in the finest form by exercising their democratic rights. HM King Hamad wished the Shura, House of Representatives and municipal council members a new phase of work in service of nation.

“In light of the successive achievements and great joys witnessed by our country, we must commend here the fact that a Bahraini woman has become Speaker of the Council of Representatives, a great historic national achievement, of which we are very proud. “We reiterate our sincere congratulations to Fawzia Abdulla Zainal on her efforts that have led to this important post, wishing her success in carrying out her upcoming responsibilities.

“In celebrating the National Day of our country, and out of our duty towards the sacrifices of the sons of Bahrain, we recall with pride the lessons of loyalty and bravery of our righteous martyrs throughout history, which inspire us to exert our utmost to protect the homeland and defend its interests in the greatest form. “We cannot here but ask Allah Almighty to accommodate our martyrs in His mercy and forgiveness in paradise. “This celebration is an opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the pioneers of our national development, men and women, conveying our sincere gratitude to the group of honourees for their loyal efforts and contributions.

“Many thanks and praise to all those who have made serving Bahrain and its advancement a great honour and high purpose.” The event also saw the Chief Executive of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ausamah Al Absi, delivering a statement on behalf of the honourees in which he extended congratulations to HM the King and the entire nation on the national days. He expressed deep pride in the King’s honouring of the national work pioneers, noting that the honouring is a badge of honour that will remain engraved in the kingdom’s history.

He asserted that national work pioneers deserve the royal honouring for their dedication in serving the nation. He also hailed HM King Hamad’s unwavering interest in advancing Bahraini women who, he said, have contributed to the kingdom’s progress in various fields.