Bahrain cabinet approves plans and projects to address climate change problem

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Cabinet has reviewed the effectiveness of government programmes aimed at achieving fiscal balance and self-sufficiency as the first step towards the development and sustainability of national wealth and resources.

This was part of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s address at the opening of the National Assembly fifth legislative term’s fourth session The weekly Cabinet meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, yesterday at Gudaibiya Palace.

It commended HM King’s address and highlighted the national message it carried particularly in defining the future priorities and foundations for national action.

The Cabinet highlighted His Majesty’s praise for the continuous development of the government’s performance and its adoption of the latest administrative and technical practices, in particular the improved oversight of the quality of services provided to citizens and residents as well as raising the efficiency and fairness of the distribution of government support.

It also includes the government’s interest in improving the skillset of the national workforce, taking care of youth issues, and supporting the further empowerment of Bahraini women.

The Cabinet noted HM King’s address on the success of the Alternative Sanctions Programme in achieving its objectives.

It emphasised prioritising His Majesty’s directives to start implementing the executive mechanisms and the necessary infrastructure for reform centres and open prisons.

The Cabinet also stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation with the legislative authority in reviewing priority legislation to contribute to securing an environment that supports development and achieves the citizens’ aspirations.

The Cabinet congratulated HM the King, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the citizens of Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic Ummah’s on the anniversary of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

The Cabinet also discussed and approved several memorandums.

The Cabinet during its weekly meeting yesterday discussed and approved several memorandums.

It approved following memorandums:

1. A memorandum by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs regarding Bahrain’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution report, which refers to plans and projects for addressing climate change, including renewable energy projects, water management and afforestation, and their incorporation into the government plan.

2. A memorandum by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism regarding a draft decision on issuing the executive regulations of the GCC unified law (System) to combat commercial fraud.

3.A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the government’s responses to two proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives and a proposal for a law submitted by the Shura Council.

The Cabinet reviewed the following topics:

1. A memorandum by the Minister of Finance and National Economy regarding the preliminary performance indicators of the Future Generation Reserve Fund for the six months ending 30 June 2021.

The indicators reflect the efficiency and effectiveness of the Future Generations Reserve’s investment policy and its continued success despite the repercussions presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. A memorandum by the Minister of Health regarding the Ministry’s health and climate change pledges in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s international commitments and its active role in climate action and the development of the national health system.

The Cabinet took note of the ministerial reports, including the outcomes of the visit to Kazakhstan; 21st virtual ministerial meeting of the OPEC + group; the visit to the Middle East Rail 2021 exhibition and conference in the UAE; and participation in the World Health Organisation’s 68th session of the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.