Reform strides stressed

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, yesterday met Chairman of Bahrain-Argentina Friendship Committee at the Argentinian Parliament, Diego Matias Mestre, during his visit to the Argentine Republic. During the meeting, Dr Shaikh Abdulla expressed his satisfaction with the consensus between the two friendly countries on many issues of common concern.

He also praised the positive results achieved during the talks that were ran throughout the visit and the mutual desire to push the fields of co-operation to new and various horizons. The Undersecretary also noted that the Kingdom, under the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has accomplished many achievements in various fields. He noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain succeeded in consolidating democracy through expanding popular participation with integrity and transparency, which has received international recognition.

Dr Shaikh Abdullah pointed out the pioneering role of the legislative authority in the Kingdom, which is based on a sophisticated parliamentary experience built on reform and modernisation to enhance citizens’ living standard and provide a safe and dignified life for all. He hailed the level of constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities for the common good and to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

The Undersecretary highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in the field of women’s partnership in the framework of the efforts of the Supreme Council for Women, headed by wife of His Majesty the King, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.  This includes the election of a woman as head of the legislative authority, with women occupying 15 seats of the National Assembly. The percentage of women holding leadership positions in the state organs has reached 45 per cent. He mentioned that the Kingdom of Bahrain, over the past two decades, has embarked on a comprehensive reform to move towards a better future.

He also added that the main pillar is investing in people as a national priority upon which the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 is based, and therefore diversifying sources of national income and attracting quality investments. The Undersecretary for International Affairs stressed that there are promising opportunities to develop economic relations between the two friendly countries in the areas of digital technology. He also called for united international efforts to deter all who support, finance or harbour terrorist groups and threaten international peace and security.

For his part, the Chairman of the Bahrain-Argentina Friendship Committee expressed his aspiration to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain soon to see, firsthand, the current developments taking place in the Kingdom. He also praised the remarkable achievements of the course of reforms and development in it, as well as valuing the vital role of the legislative authority in strengthening the democratic path of the Kingdom of Bahrain.