HM issued instructions to legally boost the journalists’ security, protection and freedom and directed the government to cooperate with the legislative power to expedite the Press Law.
HM hailed the outcome of his visit to the UK and the tribute paid to Bahrain’s political and legal achievements, including mainly the constitutional amendments which were based on the National Consensus Dialogue and the distinguished implementation of the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
HM praised the UK’s unlimited support to Bahrain’s serious development and reform steps, pointing out the emphasis on the importance of regional security and stability and the key role played by Bahrain, alongside the GCC countries, in maintaining regional security.
HM the King briefed the cabinet about the agreement to form a joint Bahraini-British work team, headed by both countries’ Foreign Ministers, to boost cooperation in the judicial reform, security, legal and commercial fields.
Concerning the economic field, HM underlined the importance of achieving stable economic growth rates by using project-allocated budgets and the GCC funds to carry out ventures in Bahrain that directly benefit citizens and contribute to promoting various economic sectors by improving legislation and luring investments.
HM directed to rationalize spending and improve auditing to keep the public debt at acceptable rates through the ministries and government bodies’ commitment to their earmarked budgets.
HM King Hamad commended the major role played by journalists and media persons in optimizing the government’s performance through accurate follow-up, effective control and objective and constructive criticism.
HM underlined the importance of coordination between ministries and government bodies to provide the journalists and media persons with ample and accurate information on all issues that concern the public opinion.
HM also instructed the Housing Ministry to allocate housing projects for the journalists, in coordination with Bahrain Journalists Association, in tribute to their efforts to fulfill their national duties and contribute to the kingdom’s growth and prosperity.
HM reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to assisting the Syrian people in achieving their aspirations, helping the Syrian refugees and caring for their children.
“We have instructed the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) to take the necessary procedures to set up a school for our sons and daughters among the Syrian refugees in order to enable them to pursue their studies in the new academic year, which is a religious and humanitarian duty,” HM the King said, stressing his personal follow-up on the matter with a delegation from RCO, which is currently in Jordan.
HRH the Prime Minister thanked HM the King for chairing the cabinet meeting, asserting that his directives will constitute the core of political, economic and social work in the upcoming phase of national work.
HRH affirmed that the government would map out schemes to carry out the royal directives while giving them top priority.
HRH lauded HM the King’s visit to the UK and its role in bolstering bilateral relations and cooperation.
HRH the Premier underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability of the kingdom’s financial status and ensure rational spending of the general budget so as to achieve set up programmes and maintain acceptable rates of the public debt.
HRH directed ministries and government bodies to remain committed to the government’s policy in spending the budget according to the set up work plan.
HRH urged to exploit the GCC funds to fast-track citizen-oriented projects and further improve Bahrainis’ living standard by optimizing services and improving the infrastructure.
HRH the Prime Minister commended the role of the press in improving the government’s performance by highlighting shortcomings, stressing that instructions will be given to the relevant ministerial committees to finalise the draft Press Law in order to expedite its approval.
HRH tasked the Housing Ministry to coordinate with relevant parties to envisage a housing project for journalists and media persons in tribute to their outstanding national role.