Key European Parliament official hails Bahrain’s democratic, parliamentary and human rights achievements under HM King leadership

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A top European Parliament official has praised Bahrain’s democratic, parliamentary and human rights achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

David McAllister, chairman of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the importance of getting informed about those strides.

He was visiting Bahrain and meeting senior officials yesterday to review ties and cooperation between the Kingdom and the European Union to serve common interests.

During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, McAllister expressed happiness at the progress of building close parliamentary relations with Bahrain.

He also affirmed the European Union’s keenness to continue cooperation with Bahrain and to promote coordination on various regional and international issues.

They also exchanged views on the latest political and security situation in the region and its repercussions on security and stability.

Dr Al Zayani praised the depth of relations between Bahrain and the European Union.

He stressed the importance of McAllister’s visit in enhancing cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy, as well as in strengthening ties between countries.

Parliamentary diplomacy

McAllister was also received by Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal as they discussed ways to further develop relations between the Council of Representatives and the European Parliament in various fields.

The Speaker noted the council’s endeavour to activate parliamentary diplomacy and highlight Bahrain’s democratic image under HM the King’s leadership.

She said that Bahrain has raised the values of tolerance and coexistence and has harnessed its efforts to adopt civilised humanitarian initiatives, which has been appreciated by the international community, civil society associations and human rights institutions.

Zainal highlighted Bahrain’s possession of a solid legislative structure and legal base that supports the comprehensive reform approach, which makes good citizenship the basis for the development and modernisation of the state of institutions and law.

Prerequisite for growth

Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh underscored Bahrain’s constant steps to foster human rights and respect freedoms.

He described the approach as the result of HM the King’s vision and his reform project which is based on respect of human rights as a prerequisite for growth and development.

Al Saleh was speaking as he received McAllister.

The Shura head highlighted the government’s strategies, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to boost democracy and human rights.