His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was speaking as he patronised, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, the opening of the fourth session of the third legislative term.
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” Allah the Supreme has Spoken the Truth.
“Bahrain’s banner will remain Arab and Muslim for generations to come, upholding an approach of tolerance and coexistence with different sects; an approach which has long been ingrained in our daily lives, emphasized in our Constitution and laws, and will remain the principle of dialogue for national consensus with God’s help who said “And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is determined by consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend. And those who, when tyranny strikes them, they defend themselves” Allah the Supreme has Spoken the Truth.
Upon arrival of HM the King’s motorcade to the Isa Cultural Centre, escorted by Police Cavalry, HM King Hamad was welcomed by the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Chairman of the Shura Council.
The National Anthem was played, and then HM the King headed to the Grand Conference Hall of the Isa Cultural Centre where some Holy Quran verses were recited.
“We open with you today the fourth session of the third legislative term of the National Council, moving ahead together towards the path of development and reform, a path we have been determined to pursue ever since we were honoured to assume the throne and as a confirmation of the people’s right to participate in the management of its affairs, and to the exercise of their constitutional rights.
“This national occasion, which we celebrate each year, brings to mind what we emphasized twelve years ago, in our first speech before the first legislative body under our reign, that this authentic Bahraini experience will remain attentive to the world, keeping up with its progress.
“However, it will not take inspiration from any alien values, but will remain receptive to different views and opinions as long as they are supportive of and loyal to Bahrain, and preserve the purity of the national spirit.
“Reform, development and achieving a better life for everyone in this country should remain our constant and paramount goal, never losing sight of it, no matter the circumstances.
“To achieve this, we have practiced tolerance and amnesty for all citizens at home or abroad, unconditionally, according to the powers acknowledged by the Constitution and the law, in order to start a new page compatible with the National Charter.
“We have invited citizens to express their aspirations and views freely and legally, to exercise their political rights in public, and to form organizations and associations in their interest, and according to the Charter, the Constitution and the law.
“All praise to God who blessed this good earth with loyal men and women who sincerely appreciate the monumental positive transformations in our country; the national will that God blessed us with has ensured an emphatic victory against any who sought to compromise our values, national unity and security.
“Brothers and sisters, your esteemed Council is already entrusted with all honesty and sincerity the responsibility of converting the national consensus dialogue recommendations into reality through constitutional amendments and legislative tools that contribute to the development of our democratic experience, increase the power of the elected council, and activate the principle of political accountability and support for the financial and administrative independence of the judiciary. You have all of our thanks and appreciation for these major accomplishments.
“Here, we recall with appreciation your national stance against terrorism, extremism and their instigators, as well as your refusal of any foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Bahrain. The first meeting of the National Council which followed your wishes was a historic meeting and your recommendations reflected our strategy of defence and national security in the next phase of our national journey.
“At this time, as our national dialogue continues, the esteemed legislature will remain the cornerstone of reform, confirming our commitment to continuing dialogue among all. Bahrain is for everyone, and our national issues are to be addressed only through harmonious dialogue based on national responsibility.
“And with God’s grace, development and growth continues in Bahrain. We are keen to develop our economic gains. Our economy has achieved advanced progress reflecting the ability to maintain the good reputation that Bahrain enjoys globally, we will in the near future also witness, God willing, more investments in various fields, especially in the energy sector.
“We wish to extend our sincere thanks to the esteemed government led by His Royal Highness and dear uncle the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the support of our dear son, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their hard work to achieve the aspirations of our people for further progress and development, the maintenance of security and stability, promoting the quality of services, and advancing rates of growth in all areas, adding to what has been achieved by the implementation and continuous follow-up of the recommendations made by your National Council.
“Special thanks go to our loyal men in the Bahrain Defence Force, Public Security and National Guard for their loyalty and dedication in maintaining security, stability and the protection of the achievements of this country and its people.
“We appreciate the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for Bahrain and its people.
“Finally, and from this platform, we pray to God Almighty to bless us and our Arab and Islamic world with stability, security, safety and peace of mind. We pray to God to protect us from those who disrupt our safety through extremism and terrorism.
“Let us not forget in the midst of the events experienced by the Arab and Islamic nation, our first and most important cause that is Palestine and the suffering of its people, stressing our support to the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate demands.
“We continue to support efforts to reach just and comprehensive lasting peace with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Al Quds, according to the relevant decisions of international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative to achieve the interests of the brotherly Palestinian people.
“We ask God Almighty to preserve our precious Kingdom of Bahrain and Arab and our fellow Muslim countries. We ask Him to draw us closer, to sustain our unity and brotherhood, and provide us with peace and security, and to lead this country to all the best, for He listens and answers our prayers.
“Allah blesses and is the Guide to the Straight Path. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.”