Cabinet welcomes Riyadh summit

The Cabinet chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday hailed Bahrain’s comprehensive development across all fields, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The session welcomed the convening of the 40th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh and praised the Bahrain National Football team following their victory at the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup.

This was announced by Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr Yasser bin Issa Al-Nasser following the weekly session held at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet congratulated HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and the people of Bahrain ahead of the 16 and 17 December national celebrations.

The event marks the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed AlFateh, the 48th Anniversary of Bahrain’s accession to the UN as a full member, and the 20th Anniversary of HM King Hamad’s accession to the throne.

The Cabinet, on the occasion of the Commemoration Day on 17 December, recalled with pride the sacrifices made by those who have fallen in service to protect the Kingdom and its people, stressing that they will always be remembered with the utmost appreciation. The Cabinet highlighted HM King Hamad’s patronage of the celebrations of the centenary of Bahrain Police and extended its congratulations to all members of the Ministry of Interior on Bahrain Police Day, celebrated on 14th of December.

The Cabinet went on to praise the role of the ministry’s personnel in safeguarding the Kingdom’s continued security and stability. The Cabinet further expressed appreciation for the support extended by HM King Hamad to Bahrain’s youth and sports sector, praising the Kingdom’s successful hosting of the Iron Man Middle East Championship, which demonstrated the country’s ability to organise prestigious international events.

The session congratuled Bahrain’s National Football team and said, “the victory exemplifies the concept of Team Bahrain.” The meeting congratulated the winners of the fourth edition of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship, held under the patronage of HRH the Crown Prince, and praised their contribution to economic diversification and innovation within the private sector.

The session also praised Bahrain’s hosting of the 26th Annual World Islamic Banking Conference, held under the patronage of HRH the Prime Minister.

MoUs signed

Several submissions, memorandums and proposed laws were discussed during the meeting.

The Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Bahrain and Pakistan to enhance ties in health, media, education, youth and sports among others. A similar MoU to boost cooperation in the education sector with Brunei Darussala was also approved.

Measures to exempt holders of diplomatic, special and official passports from visa requirements between Bahrain and Japan was okayed. The Cabinet also agreed to transfer the registry of closed joint-stock companies from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to Bahrain Clear for greater clarity.