HRH Premier to patronise ATO Congress

Manama, May 28 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will patronise the 17th Congress of the Arab Towns Organisation (ATO), to be hosted by the Kingdom tomorrow. HRH Premier’s patronage of the ATO Congress reflects the Government of Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening joint Arab action at all levels and in all fields, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf said, noting that the kingdom’s hosting of such a mega Arab gathering proves anew the leadership’s resolve to achieve the post-2015 sustainable development goals. The minister welcomed the Arab delegations to the ATO Congress, wishing them every success in coming up with recommendations that advance Arab cities and their residents. ATO Congress President Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said that HRH the Prime Minister’s patronage of the event reflects the Kingdom’s leadership interest in the issues of Arab cities, and keenness to join efforts to overcome the challenges they are currently facing. He added that the pan-Arab conference, hosted by Bahrain for the first time since the ATO establishment in 1967 in Kuwait, will be held under the theme "Exploring the Cities of the Future".