Bahrain's religious tolerance, human rights progress praised

Manama, Oct. 4 (BNA): German Ambassador in Manama Alfred Simms-Protz has praised Bahrain's religious tolerance, human rights progress and constructive role and lauded the wisdom and far-sightedness of the policy of its leaders. "Thanks to the far-sighted policies and wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to play a constructive and moderating role, despite having to contend with foreign interference in its internal affairs seeking to destabilize the country," the ambassador said at a reception he hosted to mark the 27th anniversary of German Unity Day, commemorates the anniversary of the German reunification. "Already a model of religious tolerance in the Middle East, it is also making great strides in its human rights development in other areas. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Government of Bahrain on the successful completion of the third cycle of the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) at the HRC this year. Against the background of its liberal lifestyle and openness towards foreigners, it is no coincidence that Bahrain was voted No.: 1 destination for expats worldwide in a survey recently conducted by the network organisation InterNations." The ambassador added that Germany "highly values the contributions Bahrain is making as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League, the United Nations and other Arab and international fora." Simms-Protz said that Bahrain-German bilateral relations continue to be cordial and constructive and expressed his country's keen interest in expanding and deepening the political and economic partnership with the kingdom. "Once again, Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen attended the Manama Dialogue last year and met His Majesty King Hamad as well as with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman on this occasion. Two parliamentary delegations visited Bahrain as well in the last year. Germany is keen to expand not only its political but also its economic ties with Bahrain and deepen the existing partnership." The German diplomat added that the German company Armacell was in the process of constructing a greenfield plant for industrial insulation foams in the Bahrain International Investment Park. The park will be operational next year, providing around 100 jobs in its initial phase. "We are also looking forward to the establishment of the Bahrain-German Joint Business Council very soon."