Crown Prince: Loyalty remains vital pillar to sustainable future
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister last night visited the majlis of Kooheji family in Janabiyah and the majlises of Khalid Al-Sharif and the Kazerooni family in Saar. During his visits, His Royal Highness stressed that principle of loyalty remains a vital pillar of the Kingdom’s responsibility of maintaining national interests. He highlighted that this principle should be firmly reinforced as part of the collective commitment towards Bahrain and the Kingdom’s citizens. His Royal Highness added that the role of citizens is essential in guarding the Kingdom against acts that seek to undermine the close bonds of society and the security and stability of the country. His Royal Highness went on to highlight that the diversity of Bahrain’s society fully demonstrates the importance of reinforcing social unity and the principles of mutual respect. His Royal Highness stressed the importance of focusing on furthering progress and development and preventing acts that deter the Kingdom’s pursuit for consensus-based solutions that act in the interest of all. In this regard, His Royal Highness highlighted that since the resumption of dialogue in January this year, there has been a clear commitment to stable political development and dialogue that acts in the interests of all sides. His Royal Highness went on to note the significance of high level talks between all parties. His Royal Highness added that the commitment of Bahrainis to majlises and other social engagements is a clear demonstration of the principles of coexistence and tolerance among Bahrain’s society, which will only help the Kingdom build on its achievements. He added that this commitment will help guard the Kingdom from any attempts to unravel the close bonds of Bahrain’s society. His Royal Highness also emphasised the importance of enhancing the role of existing institutions and capitalising on Bahrain’s experience to further develop democratic practices while safeguarding the Kingdom from regional events and upheavals that have affected the stability of these institutions elsewhere in the region. His Royal Highness stressed that genuine national loyalty is underpinned by a commitment to the sovereignty of the country and an active contribution to addressing internal affairs. This commitment, he said, is constantly emphasised by His Majesty King Hamad during his visits across the country, and various engagements with the Kingdom’s local communities, which serve to reinforce Bahraini values, including coexistence and tolerance. He further emphasised that in line with principles laid out by his Majesty, the Kingdom remains committed to ensuring rights and justice for all. Talking about the Kingdom’s programme of sustainable development, His Royal Highness emphasised that providing a better quality of life for all Bahrainis remains a key priority for the Kingdom. He added that this commitment can be demonstrated by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Development Programme which will support expenditure on key development projects and better serve the Kingdom’s local communities. He particularly highlighted the link between furthering economic development and maintaining the security and stability of the Kingdom. His Royal Highness added that these development projects, totalling $24.5 billion, will help create an infrastructure conducive to further development in the future, in line with the Kingdom’s focus on sustainable economic growth. His Royal Highness then highlighted that of the $7.5 billion allocated for various development and infrastructure projects, under the GCC Development Programme, housing development accounts for half with 43% focused on infrastructure and public services projects and the remaining 7% on other healthcare and social development projects. His Royal Highness announced that an additional $17 billion, as part of other substantial investment programmes, will be allocated for other significant development projects across the private and public sectors, including oil and gas, aluminum, industrial areas, real estate and tourism development. In conclusion, His Royal Highness extended his best wishes to the people of Bahrain during the holy month of Ramadan, and highlighted the role of various majlises of Bahraini families in promoting Bahraini values and reinforcing the close bonds of the Kingdom’s society. Majlis attendees commended His Royal Highness’ commitment to focusing on the future and emphasised His Royal Highness’ role in expanding contributions to Bahrain’s programme of reform and development.
