His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, welcomed statements of broad-based political support for the National Dialogue announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Tuesday.
In a statement published by the Bahrain News agency HRH Crown Prince re-emphasised his commitment to reforms in Bahrain.
“His Majesty King Hamad has instructed both the executive and legislative branches of the Kingdom of Bahrain to make all necessary preparations in order to proceed with the National Dialogue as of July 1st”, he said. “His Majesty has made clear that the National Dialogue will be comprehensive, serious and without preconditions. I welcome the broad political support and the willingness of all to engage in this process. I believe it is essential that we have a dialogue that is as inclusive and open as possible, in accordance with His Majesty’s vision. It must recognise all views and be developed along the principle of broad consensus for its results to be sustainable. It is on this basis that all should participate in the National Dialogue starting in July. He added. “Alongside this, I have always maintained that long-term political stability requires an economy that is meeting its full potential. I have spent ten years leading reform of Bahrain’s economy to diversify it away from a reliance on oil, while widening opportunity for all Bahrainis by investing in skills and education. The reiterated political support yesterday for this economic programme, and the wider support from Bahrain society, is important as we recover from a difficult period”, he stressed.
HRH Prince Salman went on to say: “We have a strong economic framework in place and with further political and social reforms, developed through dialogue; I believe we must look to the future with confidence.” The National Dialogue announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on Tuesday 31st May is expected to commence in early July.