At the beginning of its weekly session on (Monday), the Shura Council held its 11th meeting under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh. The Council issued a statement on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the National Guard, in which the Council expressed congratulations and good wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness The Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and to all members of the National Guard led by Lt. Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, praising the national guard and efforts exerted to protect the soil of the Kingdom.

On this occasion, the Council stressed full support and unlimited backing to the National Guard in building its defense capabilities, and the development of human and technological elements, praying to God Almighty to provide Bahrain pride and strength, and sustain its security, stability and prosperity.

The Council also issued a statement on the occasion of Bahrain's hosting GCC twenty-first football cup tournament (Gulf 21), which was officially opened under the auspices of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently, valuing care and support of His Majesty to the sport and the athletes in our beloved country.

The Council welcomed all teams participating in this tournament, hoping to achieve the goals of the sports event.

The Council stressed the Gulf Cup is a great gathering of brothers to deepen relations and strengthen ties, expressing thanks to the  Higher Organizing Committee for providing all the facilities and capabilities for the participating teams and the delegations, seeking success for this tournament and to achieve all desired aspirations, in addition the Council expressed thanks and appreciation to all Gulf artists who took part in the opening festival of the tournament, all spectators who were keen to attend and participate in this brotherly event, wishing all the athletes every success.

For his part, the Head of the Youth Affairs Committee hon. Khalil Ibrahim Al-Thawadi congratulated the wise leadership for the distinguished opening of the "Gulf 21" tournament and for the good preparation, which reflects leadership's support to the  youth, thanking in this aspect the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahrain Football Federation Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and all official and civil institutions that have made this event possible and distinctive.

In this aspect, the Head of the Youth Affairs Committee hon. Khalil Ibrahim Al-Thawadi called upon the State to take care of clubs and youth centers, and to provide proper infrastructure, as well as the necessary funds within the state budget.

Then the Council took the final opinion approving the following draft laws; ratifying the loan and guarantee project agreements to develop water transport network in the Kingdom of Bahrain between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, associated with the royal decree no. (47) for 2012, and a draft law to ratify the Convention between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Republic of Korea for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion in respect of taxes on income, associated with the royal decree no. (60) for 2012, in addition to taking the final opinion approving a draft law to ratify the Convention between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the Republic of India on the exchange of information on taxes, associated with the royal decree no. (65) for 2012.