Strengthening Bahrain and US strategic partnership

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Cabinet has welcomed the start of the first Strategic Dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the US to further strengthen the strategic partnership, mutual cooperation and coordination.

This came as Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting, held remotely, yesterday.

The US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue, which is taking place between December 1 and 15, will discuss defense cooperation, ways to enhance regional security and prosperity, economic and trade development, and common human rights goals.

On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance integrity and combat corruption through developing oversight bodies, and to enact and update legislation to further improve transparency and accountability.

The Cabinet approved the following memorandums:

1. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding amendments to the framework agreement for the establishment of the Global Solar Energy Alliance (ISA) and an update on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s accession procedures as a member of this alliance. The memorandum is in line with promoting renewable energy initiatives, and efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainable development.

2. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the National Authority for Space Sciences joining the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), in order to benefit from shared expertise on space sciences in line with the Kingdom’s goals in this field.

3. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on the MoU between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the United States of America regarding the protection and preservation of cultural landmarks, to enhance the protection of cultural heritage and enable access to cultural heritage for all.

4. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a Draft Decision determining fees for issuing VAT certificates and licenses for representatives and agents and the submission of objections. The memorandum aims to further develop organisational processes in this regard.

5. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding the expansion of the Bilad Al Qadeem Health Center through a donation from a private charitable society, promoting community partnership aimed at serving the Kingdom’s health sector
6. A memorandum from the Ministry of Education regarding the French Studies Center at the University of Bahrain joining the Francophone University Agency and accessing the agency’s educational resources and services, as well as inter- national experiences in science and research.

7. A joint memorandum from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, regarding a financial grant to the project establishing and equipping the Galali Primary and Secondary School for Girls, to accommodate an expected increase in the number of female students brought about by urban expansion in the area. The project will provide a high-quality learning environment to include educational facilities and scientific laboratories.

8. A memorandum by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding a Draft Decision to reconstitute the National Committee on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, in line with the Kingdom’s continued commitment to meeting international obligations within this field.

The Cabinet also reviewed a memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the government’s responses to 13 proposals requested by the Council of Representatives.