HM King praises National Action Charter's modernisation roles

Manama, Feb. 13 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, senior Royal Family members, members of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches, as well as members of the Supreme National Committee assigned to prepare the draft of the National Action Charter. HM the King received them at the Al-Sakhir Palace today, marking the 17th Anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC). After verses from the Holy Quran were recited, HM King Hamad delivered thefollowing speech: In the name of God, the most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, Praise be to God and prayers and peace be upon the Prophet of God, Mohammed, and on his family and all his companions Your Highnesses, brothers and sisters Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you It gives us great pleasure during this auspicious meeting to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the referendum of the National Action Charter that we recall with great reverence as a promising start in the process of the comprehensive modernisation of the state institutions and constitutional branches which fulfilled the aspirations of our loyal people with unprecedented unanimity that reflected the inclusive character of the Bahraini identity keen on further civilisational development and progress. We are proud to witness today the good results of a national development that we all cherish with great fondness. We have, alongside every citizen, the honour of safeguarding it and the responsibility of taking it forward for the better because of its great historical significance.  It has contributed to laying the foundations of the various sectors of our civil society with its enlightened forces and national figures, both men and women. We wish to emphasise here that the National Action Charter has been able to deepen the rich cultural heritage of Bahrain as it expresses your national aspirations and aspirations. Its broad principles serve to consolidate national unity and nationhood, renounce sectarianism and protect the values of peace and tolerance. The National Action Charter, through its comprehensive principles, is the best frame of freedoms and the best guarantor of human rights. Thus, it has reinforced Bahrain's pioneering model of human coexistence by embracing intellectual and cultural pluralism. Our success is attributed first and foremost to God, and then to the distinct character of the Bahraini citizens who invariably strive towards progress and modernization. They truly are our real wealth and our source of pride among nations. Brothers and sisters, Since its adoption as the official reference to our national action, the National Action Charter has stipulated the formula of national participation in decision-making through the establishment of the system of two chambers, the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, as is the case in most countries across the world.  Their joint work has steadily evolved through four achievement-filled legislative terms, complemented by the fulfilment of women's political rights. Hence, we reaffirm the importance of continuous and constructive cooperation between the executive and legislative branches in accelerating the pace of work, especially when it is aimed at diversifying sources of income and developing our national economy, without prejudice to the gains and living standards of citizens. In this regard, we renew our directives to restructure subsidies so that they reach their beneficiaries on objectives bases that take into account developments in all areas.  In this context, we commend the outstanding achievements made by the legislative branch with its both chambers, the full implementation of its constitutional roles and its efforts in the field of legislative diplomacy to contribute to the promotion of the bright civilised attributes of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As we recall such significant landmarks in the evolution of constitutional life in the Kingdom, I would like to express my deep thanks and appreciation to the Chairman and members of the drafting committee of the National Action Charter and all the committees that have put the Charter into practice to reach the outstanding results we have achieved. With the help of God, the constants of the National Action Charter, with their adaptation flexibility and promising vision, will continue to be the impetus for further development and progress, based on the respect of the rule of law through constitutional institutions.  This will promote our national forward-looking progress strongly inspired by the spirit of positive participation and the values of patriotism that emanate from the free, dignified and independent Bahraini willpower, as decided by God and testified by History. In conclusion, and on this auspicious occasion, we call on everyone, each according to their responsibilities, to adhere to the essence and principles of this document, which expresses our hopes and unifies our positions, in order to preserve our achievements and to continue the sincere work to build on our gains and accomplishments. We pray to God to protect our country, preserve our security, make our national days a source of joy and a cause of pride and help us all to do more for our progress and prosperity. May He answer our prayers Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.” The attendees extended deepest congratulations to HM the King on the NAC’s anniversary, voicing pride in milestone political, economic, cultural, social and educational achievements attained by the Kingdom under his leadership, which, they said, earned international acclaim. They lauded HM King Hamad’s efforts to enhance Bahrain’s relations with brotherly and friendly countries, as well as in promoting its honourable stances at international gatherings and strengthening its leading role in the Arab and international arenas. They prayed to Allah the Almighty to bless HM the King with abundant health and happiness so as to continue the progress boom currently witnessed by the kingdom under his leadership. HM King Hamad hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the attendees.