Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Romaihi has lauded Bahrain's pioneering national achievements regarding political and economic reforms and promotion of human rights, as well as the continuous comprehensive development march during the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Al-Romaihi extended congratulations to HM the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, and all the Bahraini people marking Bahrain’s celebration of its National Days in the midst of unprecedented political, economic and social achievements.
The minister stressed that marking the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 46th anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member and the 18th Anniversary of HM the King's Accession to the Throne provides an opportunity to the Bahraini people to renew pride in their country’s deep-rooted history, belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as to the Arab and Islamic nations.
The national occasions also provide an opportunity to renew allegiance to the leadership and express pride in their country’s prestigious status as a role model for reform political, economic and human development role model, as well as for peaceful co-existence among all religions, sects and ethnicities.
Al Romaihi expressed appreciation of the democratic and human rights achievements as well as sustainable economic development spearheaded by HM the King with a farsighted vision and after the inauguration of the National Action Charter with an overwhelming majority of 98.4% of popular votes in 2001, the decision to make Bahrain a constitutional monarchy within a framework of separation between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary according to the Constitution and within the state of law and institutions, the consolidation of the parliamentary experience, guaranteeing the rights of women, children, youth and civil society, the reform of the labour market and the support for comprehensive and sustainable development in accordance with the Economic Vision for Bahrain 2030.
The minister lauded Bahrain’s fundamental respect for human rights, as well political, civil, economic, social and cultural liberties within a framework of equality and equal opportunities among all citizens without discrimination based on race, gender, language or religion, including the right to perform religious rituals freely.
He also lauded the effective contributions of Bahraini women to the development process in Bahrain since the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) in 2001 under the presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King.
Al Romaihi highlighted the role played by the independent national institutions in preserving rights and public liberties, particularly the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, among others.
He also pointed out that the scope of freedom of expression in various media outlets is unlimited except for professional and ethical regulations stipulated by the Constitution, the Law and media conventions.
The minister lauded Bahrain’s wise and balanced diplomatic stances during HM the King’s era, praising its support for regional and global security and peace, advocacy of just Arab and Islamic causes, particularly the Palestinian cause, keenness on establishing relations on the bases of love, tolerance, mutual respect and non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries.
The minister also praised Bahrain’s effective international initiatives to consolidate dialogue and peaceful co-existence among all civilisations, cultures, religions and sects, citing the Bahrain Declaration as an international document for peace, the inauguration of the King Hamad Global Centre for Inter-Faith Dialogue and Peaceful Co-Existence in Los Angeles, and the effective participation of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) in international, Islamic and Arab coalitions to combat terrorism and extremism.
Al-Romaihi expressed pride in the appreciation of Bahrain’s experience in the fields of democracy, human rights and comprehensive development by world and UN agencies, citing the international community’s praise of Bahrain’s national reports before the UN Human Rights Council, success in achieving top positions in human development, economic freedom, ICT, e-Government indicators and empowerment of women and youth, as well its outstanding ability to host mega international events and conferences.
The minister asserted that the national efforts related to media awareness and political culture will continue to cement national unity, preserve national security and stability, support the kingdom’s reforms and development march, led by HM the King, supported by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Source: BNA