His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa reaffirmed his strong resolve to pursue the ongoing national reforms agenda.
“We will continue the march of reform and build on the achievements of the last ten years”, he said.
He pointed out that the situation had returned back to normal, crediting all parties for joining ranks to ensure the country emerges from the crisis.
HM King Hamad was speaking as he received at Al-Safriya Palace Shura Council President Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh and Parliament Chairman Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Dhahrani. The two committees in charge of drafting a feed-back to the Royal address at the opening of the first session of the third legislative term submitted their reply to HM the King. The King lauded the crucial contribution of the legislative authority in bolstering the democratic march. He also pointed out the important role pinned on the Shura Council and Parliament in serving the nation and loyal citizens. “We are all citizens, entitled to equal rights and duties”, he said, stressing the spirit of closely-knit family which has always marked Bahraini society.
“We derive our strength from our unity, thus thwarting any attempt to prey on our dear Bahrain”, he said. He highlighted the patriotic responsibility of the legislative authority in the coming period. Sounding optimistic, he said that we would continue the march for a better future- engaging in a positive dialogue and proving loyal Bahrainis the opportunity to assume their duties. He advocated multiparty consensus to ensure all that is good for Bahrain – progress, development and prosperity. HM King Hamad called upon all community leaders to pay heed to youngsters and channel their energies to serve their country and community. “In Bahrain, we abide by the principles of consensus and balance and give officials powers within their prerogatives”, he said. “We don’t believe in the domination of anyone on others, as we respect all parties”, he pointed out, reaffirming his keenness of the separation between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Government. He also appreciated the reply of the legislative draft committees wishing all success. Shura Council President Ali bin Saleh extended thanks and appreciation to HM the King, saying that all Bahrainis are rallying behind his leadership.
“National unity is the safety net and the bulwark against all designs. We will emerge from these incidents, as we always did in the past, led by HM the King’s wise leadership”, he said.
The Shura Council pledged to HM the King to exert utmost efforts and continue work unabated to further anchor the balanced democratic system in Bahrain, also paying credit the Government’s achievements.
The council hailed the high readiness of the armed forces and steady development to serve as a shield and watchful eye, thus ensuring the protection of Bahrain’s national territories. It also praised the efforts of the interior ministry and other security bodies for their unflinching efforts to ensure stability for the nation and citizens. The panel also stressed the importance of mapping out a strategy to promote education, particularly universities, and ensure graduates are linked with the labour market needs to bolster the trade and financial sectors and boost national economy. The housing issue was described as a key challenge, hence the need to address it. Meanwhile, the Parliament reiterated allegiance to HM the King, vowing unwavering loyalty to the country and its people. It paid tribute to the Government chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa for its achievements. The achievements of the Economic Development Board, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, were also acknowledged. In this regard, the Parliament urged more participation and efforts to meet the goals of the Bahrain 2030 Economic Vision. In its reply to the Royal keynote address, the Parliament rallied behind all efforts to manage the national economy at this defining junction, preserve the positive growth rates, reduce unemployment and continue the march of construction. An allegiance pledge was also presented to HM King Hamad, vowing unwavering loyalty to the wise leadership to achieve security, stability and prosperity for citizens. The Parliament also rallied behind any attempt against any attempt to drive wedges, sow disunity and confront any attempt to erode genuine Islamic and Arab values.