His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today received the annual report of the Shura and Representatives councils for the first session of the sixth Legislative Term.
The report was presented by Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, and First Deputy Chairman of Shura Council, Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, at the Al Sakhir Palace today.
The Speaker and the Shura’s First Deputy extended their condolences and those of the members of the two councils to HM the King over the loss of BDF servicemen as a result of the act of aggression while they were valiantly performing their duty defending the southern borders of Saudi Arabia, within the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, as part of the Operation Decisive Storm and Operation Restoring Hope.
They hailed the heroic sacrifices of the BDF servicemen, which will always be remembered by the nation.
HM King Hamad expressed his thanks for their sentiments, affirming pride in the national efforts, achievements and stances of the legislative branch.
HM the King praised the Speakers' sincere patriotic positions and the aspirations of citizens, enhancing Bahrain's position and reputation in international parliamentary forums.
HM King commended the advanced cooperation between executive and legislative branches that aims at serving Bahrain's development.
The initiatives and proposals included in the annual report were also commended by HM the King.
HM the King said that development will always be prioritised, to meet the interests of citizens and create opportunities for them. HM added that the people of Bahrain have demonstrated in many occasions their dedication and loyalty to their nation, standing together to serve Bahrain.
HM the King said he took pride in the efforts of Bahraini men and women in all sectors.
HM the King noted that Bahrain has ties and close cooperation with the world, which it is keen to strengthen and develop to serve its interest and growth.
The Speaker and the First Deputy expressed gratitude to HM the King for his directives and support for the legislative branch, which reflects in its achievements and contribution to further driving development.
Al Musallam expressed pride in presenting the annual report on the HM the King.
He highlighted that the royal directives by HM the King are top priorities for parliamentary and national action, providing incentives for to deliver more achievements to serve the nation and citizens within the framework of the comprehensive development process.
The follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has strengthened the democratic approach and supported national aspirations through the implementation of the Government Plan and the economic recovery and financial balance programmes, he said.
The Speaker said the partnership between the legislative and executive branches also focuses on developing national action, creating quality employment opportunities, and strengthening decision-making partnerships with the private sector and civil society organisations, he added.
He praised the sincere joint national efforts, which contributed to achieving more development goals and strengthening the national economy, through the solidarity of the people of Bahrain and their work within "Team Bahrain" in the service of the nation in all international forums.
The Speaker highlighted the sacrifices made by the people of Bahrain in defending their homeland's security and cooperating with other countries.
The Council of Representatives annual report for the first regular session of the sixth legislative term, consisting of 12 sections and appendices, documented the work; achievements; legislative, oversight, political, and diplomatic efforts; and cooperation with executive authority.
The first chapter reviewed the opening of the session, including procedural work and elections to choose the Speaker, Chairman and their deputies.
The second covered the formation of the councils's bureau and legislative committees.
Chapter Three reviewed the "Response to the Royal Speech" and documented the committee's formation and procedures.
The fourth chapter detailed the Government Plan (2023-2026) and the state's general budget for fiscal years 2023-2024.
The report also reviewed the formation and procedures of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee and its work with the executive branch.
The sixth chapter on record of parliamentary topics covered all topics received by the Council, including decrees, draft laws, agreements, and parliamentary tools. Chapter Seven was on statistical data and chapter eight on statements issued by the council.
The final chapter details the General Secretariat's activities, publications, and strategic projects, while the appendix to the annual report on the House of Representatives' first session of the sixth legislative term includes royal orders and speeches in international forums.
Fakhro attributed Bahrain's democratic and legislative process to royal patronage and support from HM the King.
The First Deputy expressed pride in the progress of cooperation with the government, citing HRH the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister’s interest and follow-up as key factors in joint meetings, discussions, and implementation, which have led to significant national gains.
He said that the vision and directives of His Majesty support the work of the work of the legislative branch.
Fakhro highlighted Bahrain's achievements in parliamentary diplomacy, highlighting its role in strengthening international partnerships and fostering communication, cooperation with countries.
The Shura Council's annual report, released from December 12, 2022, to June 5, 2023, includes seven sections, appendices, and discussions. It reviews Council performance and achievements.
The report's first chapter discusses the opening of the session, including the royal speech delivered by HM the King, the first Council session, the procedure for elections for the Deputy Speaker, and the Council's response to the speech. It also reviews the Council's work and procedures.
The second chapter discusses the council's office, including its tasks, formation, and meetings.
The third chapter focuses on the Council's permanent committees and their work statistics.
The fourth chapter details the Council's discussions on draft laws, budgets, proposals, decrees, and ministerial questions. It also includes a record of discussions, including detailed tables of topics discussed during the session.
Chapter Five reviews statements on local, regional, and international events, while Chapter six highlights parliamentary diplomacy engagements, including 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which was hosted in Bahrain last March.
Chapter seven was on adjourning the first session.