MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad last night praised the outstanding efforts of the chairmen and members of the Shura Council and Parliament in serving Bahrain.
His Majesty noted the important role of the legislative authority in reinforcing democracy and parliamentary action in contributing to the comprehensive development of the kingdom.
The King yesterday received at Safriya Palace Shura Council Chairman H.E. Ali Saleh Al Saleh and parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and their deputies.
His Majesty was presented with the Shura Council and Parliament's replies to his address while opening The Second Term of the Third Legislative Session.
The King affirmed his keenness to continue the process of reforms and progress in all fields for the best interest of Bahrain and its people, saying that the kingdom is a civilised country that provides best services to its citizens and residents.
He expressed pride in the two chambers of the legislature and their aims to serve citizens, praising the fine co-operation and co-ordination with the executive branch.
He also pointed out that the democratic process is continuing through constitutional amendments proposed by participants in the National Dialogue that will contribute to increasing public participation as well as reinforcing the legislative role in decision making process and enactment of laws.
His Majesty affirmed the importance of the Shura Council and Parliament in reinforcing national unity and spreading compassion and solidarity among the people of Bahrain in addition to meeting their needs by issuing laws and legislation for the benefit of Bahrain.
He hailed the role of the two Houses in regional, Arab and international issues and in bridging gaps between the friendly and brotherly countries.
The Shura Council expressed appreciation for the visions and aspirations expressed in the royal speech which are based on the values of national dialogue, saying that the King's speech is a political and a legislative road map for further democratic reforms and for the consolidation of national achievements.
The parliament's reply valued the speech of His Majesty and his keenness to safeguard the kingdom and its hard-won achievements.
It said that the success of the reforms is a new era of democracy in the kingdom.
Parliament also thanked His Majesty for his words of praise to Bahraini women's success in winning seats in the council, thus becoming a main pillar in decision making and in social, economic and cultural life.
It highlighted the King's support to the National Dialogue visions, saying that it reflected His Majesty's keenness to reinforce democracy and the state of law and strengthen relation between His Majesty and the people.
It also highlighted the importance of enhancing co-operation between the executive and legislative authorities to meet citizens' aspirations and expectations.
In this regard, they voiced appreciation to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for instructing ministers to attend the meetings of the council to discuss draft laws and proposals.