The Kingdom of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain marks 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 45th Anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member, and the 17th Anniversary of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's Accession to the Throne.     Bahrain is rejoicing its huge accomplishments of sustainable development goals (SDGs) as per the Government Action Plan (GAP2015-2018) spearheaded by Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.     Bahrain has also adopted its strategic Economic Vision 2030 for future development on the basis of justice and fair competitiveness to achieve more development compatible with the Bahrain's pioneering democratic experience which promotes atmospheres of freedom and openness, development of citizens dignified livelihood and human rights to boost the scope of progress and reforms exceeding all expectations, reported Bahrain news agency BNA.     The kingdom's ongoing developmental, and democratic reforms processes cover the educational, health, housing, social, economic, political, telecommunications, knowledge-based economy as well as the constitutional amendments, boosting the State of the Law and the Institutions as per the Constitution and the National Action Charter.     Bahrain has recorded an average five percent growth rate over the past five years thanks to its unpreceded steps in consolidating the principles of sustainable development goals (SDGs).     And despite of its relatively limited resources, the Kingdom of Bahrain has continued to contribute humanitarian assistance to the needy, refugee or displaced peoples in disaster-afflicted or conflict zones around the world. The Royal Charity Organization (RCO led by RCO board of trustees' Chairman Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the directives of the King and the Organization's Honorary President to provide not only foodstuffs but also medical assistance, clothing, schools, hospitals, housing, potable water, reconstruction and developmental projects to the needy everywhere around the globe and their treatment with all due respect and dignity. Shaikh Nasser the Representative of the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, received the appreciation certificate from Stephen O'Brien the United Nations (UN)'s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.     Bahrain has experienced unprecedented reforms capably led by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa which formed the basis for all development and progress in the Kingdom at all levels. The Kingdom's ongoing reforms included the political democratic reforms, safeguarding and protecting human rights, sustainable economic, human development and empowerment of women.     HM the King inaugurated the third session of the fourth legislative term of the House of Representatives and Shura Council in October marking 15th year of Bahrain's parliamentary experience which has passed more than 5000 legislations in the interest of the homeland and citizens.      The powers of parliament was increased in monitoring the executive branch performance and the national budget. Countless new laws and proposals were passed, government ministers and officials quizzed. Also, other parliamentary tools available to parliament as per the reform project to be able to play its role fully. This legislature's role was based on constitutional amendments approved in 2012 that imbued new life into the democratic process with the support of the executive body and continued cooperation between both the executive and the legislative branches.      The successful hosting of the GCC Summit held in the Kingdom a few days ago and the GCC-UK Summit held on its side-lines, Bahrain-Saudi Summit and Manama Dialogue Forum were enough proofs of the pivotal role Bahrain has played in Arab and international Gulf Affairs due to its active foreign policy spearheaded by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, BNA reported.      Bahrain has promoted its policy to intensify meetings and communications as well as visits to strengthen its relations with countries around the world both at the bilateral level or collectively.      HM the King, Prime Minister and the Crown Prince, visited or received the visits of leaders of many countries that opened broad prospects for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting closer cooperation with these countries and the conclusion of several treaties and agreements in the interest of all Bahraini citizens.      HM the King visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Egypt, Britain, the Russian Federation Republic, Turkey and Switzerland. These visits explain the prominent Bahraini presence in all regional and international forums and defending its national issues.      Bahrain's National Day presents an opportunity to celebrate such great achievements and also for renewed determination to continue and protect national gains for our beloved homeland of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and amity and faithfulness.      Bahrain has made a lot of quantum leaps in all developmental fields guided by HM the King's ambitious nationwide reform project, entitled to be proud of, democracy that established Bahrain as a national model to successfully continue its progress and become more mature, aware and committed.      Bahrain's foreign policy has always been within the framework of its established policy to strengthen cooperation with friendly countries within the frameworks of mainly good neighborliness and non- interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Kingdom was able to consolidate its ties with the GCC, Arab and Islamic countries that serve the common interest of these countries and defends their issues, and non-aligned policy and establish cooperative relations with friendly countries. Bahrain has undertaken an active role within regional and international organizations. This wise policy operates through a number of circuits beginning with Gulf, Arab, Islamic countries and internationally.      Bahrain's wise diplomacy has achieved countless breakthroughs in promoting the proper image of the Kingdom of Bahrain abroad as the land of peaceful coexistence and tolerance and rejection of violence and supporting all GCC, Arab and Islamic countries and global efforts in countering Tehran regime's interferences.      Security and stability have been maintained throughout the Kingdom, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the security agencies and the Ministry of Interior. The security agencies have been very successful in the detection of terrorist plots funded from abroad, and the seizure of weapons caches and materials thanks to harnessing latest technologies and ongoing training, missions and implementing security exercises with brotherly and friendly nations to exchange experience in combating terrorism, narcotics and crime.      Bahrain has been a leading country benefiting most from the economic potential of its citizens. Bahrain was the best Arab country in terms of employment rates after successfully employing more than 85% of its total workforce, and development of human resources talents ranking next to Finland, Norway and Switzerland.      Bahrain is in fact the one of leading investor-friendly financial hubs for multinational companies interested to do business in the Middle East, thanks to its talented, highly qualified and well-trained manpower, encouraging fiscal regulation, promising business opportunities as shown in many global business reports that ranked Bahrain in the top echelons of investment-attractive countries, including the economic freedom and business reports issued by the International Heritage Foundation, the World Bank's report, the Arab Knowledge Economic Index Report.

Source: QNA