HM King opens fourth session of fourth legislative term  

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa 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, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the opening of the fourth session of the Fourth Legislative Term, at the Isa Cultural Centre today.

 Upon arrival of the Royal motorcade to the Isa Cultural Centre, escorted by Police Cavalry, HM King Hamad was welcomed by the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla and Chairman of the Shura Council, Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh.

 The Royal Anthem was played, and then HM the King headed to the Grand Conference Hall of the Isa Cultural Centre, where verses from the Holy Quran were recited.

 Then, HM the King delivered the following keynote speech:

 "In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate

 "Praise to God, Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions,

 "Brothers and sisters, distinguished Members of the National Assembly,

 "Peace, mercy and blessings of God,

 "God willing, we will open the proceedings of the Final Session of the National Assembly, in its fourth legislative term, which through its responsibility and capability, was able to be the best asset to the National Action process, with all its firm constitutional foundations agreed upon by our loyal people, with unprecedented free will, to mark an important historical start, through which the bases of the modern civil state have been founded on the rule of law and institutions, separation of powers and popular participation in decision making. This has allowed our comprehensive national renaissance to remain committed to achieving a promising vision that never deviates from the development of the nation and the welfare of its citizens.

 "Honorable members,

 "The requirements of reform and development in our changing world, with its opportunities and challenges, call for a clear vision to ensure a smooth development process. On this level, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been able to meet these requirements, proceeding from our comprehensive national project, from which stems Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and its principles which instill justice, competitiveness and sustainability to attain leadership in performance and achievement.

 "Through the optimal employment of plans and programs, the Vision has diligently sought to reinforce the performance of the various development sectors, to create an investment climate that attracts capital, and to foster a clear policy to diversify the sources of income in the national economy, without neglecting to develop the resources of Bahraini families that are the pillar of our national development.

 "We would like stress here that Bahraini citizens will always remain the focus of our development. Bahraini skills and expertise have demonstrated their worth and ability to excel in various fields of work, requiring the concerned authorities to continue improving programs for developing our human resources and preparing young leaders, enabling them to take the appropriate path to integrate into the labor market and contribute to nation building.

 "In this context, we take pride in the honorable achievements of the people of Bahrain at international forums, which embody their true attachment to and love for this blessed land, the cradle of civilization and the spring of good and prosperity.

 "Honorable members,

 "Our esteemed Government, led by our dear uncle, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, is playing its role and assuming its national responsibilities with all sincerity and dedication to follow up on the implementation of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s development policies, at the forefront of which is the Government Action Plan which has already been able to exceed the required performance rate, and to work on increasing the efficiency of programs and services in support of economic growth and those offered to citizens, with the focus on policies that enhance the role of the private sector as a main driver of economic growth.

 "We commend here the results of the housing plans which, in line with our directives, have committed to distributing forty thousand housing units to Bahraini families and building five new residential cities.

 "As part of the esteemed Government's efforts to strengthen the country's financial and economic capacity, we direct that the necessary steps be taken to achieve balance between expenditures and public revenues, and to increase oil and non-oil revenues in order to attain financial sustainability, consistent with the country's policies to diversify the economy.

 "Brothers and Sisters,

 "The legislature, within its extensive legislative and supervisory powers, and in the context of productive and constructive cooperation with the executive, has been able to be the best support to developing the national legislative system and increasing the efficiency of government services.

 "We would like to commend, here, the advanced laws that have been put in place to regulate the financial, commercial, real estate and investment sectors, and to approve the state budget and follow up on its implementation.

 "This has reflected positively on the economic and investment environment in a manner that is consistent with the policies and plans of the institutions concerned, especially the Economic Development Board, led by our dear son, the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, leading Bahrain to achieve remarkable results in terms of economic freedom and development of the information and communications sector.

 "We also applaud the initiatives of the legislature which aim to boost the level of social stability, among the most important of which is the Family Law, that came in the form of a consensus and unified formula stemming from the provisions of the Islamic Sharia’a, and in support of the tremendous attention the Kingdom of Bahrain accords to the status of the Bahraini family in general, and women in particular, who deserve all respect.

 "It is a matter of pride that Bahraini women today exceed the traditional stages of empowerment to reach the higher status they now enjoy, as they represent a high percentage of the country’s public and private sector employees. We regard this achievement as a source of national pride that we should all cherish.

 "With God’s help, the wheels of careful and well-thought development of the state’s legislative, executive and judicial branches will continue to turn non-stop, in consonance with the attributes and requirements of the National Action Charter.

 "Honorable attendees,

 "The Kingdom of Bahrain will remain, as it has always been known in the Arab world, faithful to its causes, protecting its security and defending its interests.

 "It will mobilize all its military, security and diplomatic capabilities to confront any illegal interference and deal with any crises that aim to destabilize its Arab region.

 "In this regard, we will continue our efforts in support of the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent State, with the Holy Quds as its capital, as a prerequisite for the establishment of security and stability in the region.

 "The Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its adherence to the basic principles declared by the countries calling for the fight against terrorism and uncovering the supporters and funders of terrorism who adopt political agendas that aim to fabricate crises, divide ranks and threaten the security and stability of the region.

 "In this context, we would like to thank our defense and security forces for their vigilance, wisdom, patience, dedication and sacrifice in preserving the security, sovereignty and stability of our dear Kingdom.

 "Undoubtedly, the security and stability of Bahrain is always linked to the readiness and vigilance of its people to defend their social cohesion and national solidarity, based on the principles of coexistence, tolerance and pluralism.

 "These values have shaped the features of our civilized society, which has always carried to the world its own vision on religious respect, peaceful coexistence and civilizational dialogue, the very thing that makes Bahrain’s voice heard and its position prestigious in terms of reinforcing and spreading peace and serving humanity.

 "Finally, we reiterate our thanks to the members of the legislative and executive authorities, for the lofty national responsibility they shoulder, which places the interests of the nation and citizens at the top of its priorities, and makes innovation a guiding principle for our glorious national progress.

 "Let us all live up to this pledge and be up to fulfil this trust.

 "May God bless you all,

 "Peace, mercy and blessings of God."

 Then, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, delivered the following speech:

 "In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful

 "Praise be to God, Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and on his family and companions.

 "Your Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may Allah protect you.

 "His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister.

 "His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister.

 "Your Highnesses, Excellencies, distinguished guests.

 "Peace, and Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you,

 "I have the honor, Your Majesty, to stand before you on this blessed national day and to convey to your graced Highness, on my behalf and on behalf of my colleagues the members of the National Assembly, my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your generosity in honoring the opening ceremony of the final session of the fourth legislative term under the reform project of your Majesty. Continuing the process of national action, and raising the flames of democracy, towards a bright future. We are looking forward to the good and development of the nation in your glorious era, and we seek the help of the Almighty to act in accordance with your noble directives and we are committed to our national principles, that is exemplified in the National Charter Action and the Constitution, and with all determination, insistence, willpower and persistence to achieve all good for the benefit of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its future. We believe that the progress and development, under your reform project, can only be achieved through hard work. Bearing in mind, an oath and a pledge we made to ourselves, to be loyal to the homeland and to your majesty by defending the liberties, interests and money of the people. Our determination is steadfast, and our loyalty is absolute to Your Majesty and our dear Kingdom.

 "Your loyal people, Your Majesty, has always been and remains an example of fraternity, harmony, coexistence and tolerance. Bahrain will always be a homeland for all, with all religions and races. The qualities of the Bahraini man will remain of goodness, authenticity, morally dignified generosity, well behavior, openness, loyalty to his leadership and his homeland, and this is his most distinctive features.

 "It is the same qualities and values that we sustain from your majesty, and which was planted in us by your father and the father of all, His Royal Highness the late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, may Allah have mercy on him, and the great grandfathers and your major pioneered initiatives in this field.

Source: Bahrain News Agency