H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs: parliamentary work is pillar in development process
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draws from the visions and directives of the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the principles, rules and objectives that will achieve a successful and constructive foreign policy that works to preserve the sovereignty, independence, security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom, as well as protect its internal and external interests, and strengthen cooperation and fruitful partnership with various nations and peoples within the framework of international charters and laws.
H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed in his speech while marking the International Day of Parliamentarianism that “we also draw from the vision of His Majesty the King and his directives that affirm the importance of enhancing cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities, which encourages us to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the legislative authority with its two chambers: the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, due to their distinguished expertise and competencies that proved dedication and commitment to the Kingdom’s interests and its keenness to serve the community through cooperating between the two chambers for the benefit of the development process in the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
H.E. stressed the importance of celebrating the International Day of Parliamentarism, as it is an important international occasion that reflects the world’s interest in parliamentary work and the strengthening of its active role in human development, protecting societies and the progress of nations, hailing in this regard the sincere efforts of the legislative authority which won the appreciation and praise of the wise leadership and the honorable citizens.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani noted that within the framework of effective cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the legislative authority, members of the legislative authority have always had a clear contribution to strengthening this cooperation through positive participation in the workshops organized by the Ministry to prepare for the national plan for human rights, which we were keen to involve all representatives of civil society organizations and stakeholders in its preparation. H.E. underlined that the Ministry, in cooperation with the House of Representatives, also launched the Parliamentary Diplomacy Diploma Programme within the framework of close cooperation between the Ministry and the Council, which represents the keenness to promote parliamentary diplomacy and to enhance the role of parliamentary work in achieving the foreign policy objectives of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Minister stressed the importance of the official and parliamentary joint diplomatic efforts in achieving the security, safety, and well-being of citizens, meeting their needs and aspirations, and enhancing its position among the countries of the world. He also pointed out that parliamentary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain was a focal point in the process of development and modern progress in the Kingdom, and it played a significant role in all stages of development witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, through the enactment of laws that had a great impact on preparing an advanced legislative system, approving financial budgets and presenting constructive proposals aimed at serving citizens and achieving their aspirations and hopes for a better life.
He further continued, “the parliamentary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain also had a prominent role at the external level, through the parliament’s participation in the membership of the Arab Inter-parliamentary Union, and the contributions of the Bahraini Parliamentary Division and its active presence in regional and international parliamentary forums, and through its playing a prominent role in approving the international agreements concluded by the Kingdom of Bahrain with the countries of the world and international organizations, and its tangible contribution to building bridges of cooperation and consolidating friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and regional, Islamic and international countries.
He stressed that parliamentary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain has proven its vital and constructive role in promoting the comprehensive development process, consolidating democratic practice and consolidating the state of institutions and law, and that the Kingdom is proud of the progress and positive outcomes achieved by parliamentary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which expressed the wise and lofty directives of His Majesty the King, and embodied the interest and keenness of the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to achieve a comprehensive civilizational development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the developed countries have paid great interest and attention to parliamentary work, and were keen that parliamentary diplomacy would make a tangible contribution, not only to achieving the desired foreign policy, but also to supporting international efforts aimed at addressing vital global issues, including sustainable development, economic growth, environmental protection, development of educational and health services, protection of human rights, empowerment of women and youth, and other important issues. He noted that just as official diplomacy plays an active role in achieving the desired foreign policy, parliamentary diplomacy is a complement to it and a major supporter of its efforts, they meet together on common national goals, and they share effective performance in serving the country and achieving its higher interests, which confirms the importance of continued cooperation and joint coordination between them at the highest and best levels.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Minister expressed his aspiration that the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the House of Representatives would be more comprehensive and effective, in a manner that meets the directives of the wise leadership and achieves the goals and the supreme national interest of the Kingdom.
