The Deputy Prime Minister, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.
The Cabinet congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s successful hosting of the 19th edition of the Manama Dialogue, and noted the importance of His Royal Highness’s keynote address at the Summit, which included HRH’s visions of regional and international security.
The address underlined that lasting peace will only be secured when the Palestinians are given their legitimate right to establish their independent state, through a two-state solution, and that the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people are at the heart of governance after the crisis in Gaza. In this regard, the Cabinet highlighted the vast international participation at the Summit, which reflects the international appreciation and recognition of the Kingdom’s initiatives and discussions that safeguard security and stability, in light of reviewing the report submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in this regard.
The Cabinet welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2712 calling for an urgent and extended humanitarian pause that allows for the opening of safe corridors through the Gaza Strip, as well as the provision of essential goods and services to civilians, particularly children, protection of humanitarian sites, and the release of hostages. The resolution also rejects the forced displacement of civilians and calls on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law obligations. In this regard, the Cabinet called for fast-tracking the implementation of Resolution 2712 to end violence and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.
The Cabinet went on to congratulate His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister on the success of the Kingdom’s hosting of the fifth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy. The Cabinet emphasised that the broad participation of international stables, and owners affirms the Kingdom’s global position as a hub for horseracing and other international sports. In this regard, the Cabinet commended the efforts of Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, in successfully organising the major international equestrian event, which has furthered the Kingdom’s reputation in hosting global horseracing events.
The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the meeting held between His Royal Highness and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. The meeting revolved around the Bahrain-Qatar partnership and developments on the Bahrain-Qatar Causeway Project. Both parties directed the concerned authorities of both countries to complete the necessary plans to initiate the implementation of the project, furthering multisectoral collaboration.
The Cabinet expressed its gratitude to the Kingdom’s government entities, and skilled national workforce working in the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and all related authorities for successfully organising regional and international events hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Cabinet commended the Kingdom’s successful hosting of Cityscape Bahrain 2023, Jewellery Arabia and Scent Arabia 2023, which reflect the Kingdom’s development of the real estate, commercial and tourism sectors. In this regard, the Cabinet reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance including statistics reports regarding the events held at Exhibition World Bahrain, which saw broad participation. The Cabinet reviewed a report submitted by the Interior Minister regarding security and organisational procedures for the events held at Exhibition World Bahrain.
The Cabinet concluded by extending its congratulations to the government and people of the Sultanate of Oman on Oman’s National Day, noting the development and prosperity of the country, led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said.
The Cabinet discussed several memorandums during the meeting, approving the following:
1. A memorandum submitted by the Government Executive Committee regarding the Distinguished Government Employee Program, which aims to motivate customer service employees to greater excellence and creativity.
2. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Community Services regarding the adoption of the 2023-2027 National Strategy for Children. The strategy is based on 4 pillars, 8 axes, and 34 goals, that will be implemented through 136 initiatives that promote programmes and projects that provide protection and care for children.
3. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a draft decree ratifying the charter of the Middle East Green Initiative. The initiative was launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the first regional alliance of its kind aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting joint action to achieve global climate goals.
4. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a draft decision amending the provisions of the decision regulating housing. The memo aims to restructure the standards related to the fifth category eligible for housing services. The memo further outlines the mechanisms for calculating allowances for the monthly income standards. The move aims to expand the number of beneficiaries of housing services.
5. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a number of memoranda of understanding and cooperation to be signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
6. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding a decision to amend the schedule in the decision that designates tourism sites.
7. A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on the government’s response to a law proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives.
In addition, the Cabinet noted the following ministerial reports:
1. Outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in the Global Media Congress 2023.
2. Outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in the Misk Global Forum 2023.
BNA(R)
