Premier receives Royal Family members, senior officials

Manama, Feb. 13 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has expressed pride in every effort exerted for the sake of raising the kingdom’s banners at all regional and global gatherings, noting that the top positions achieved by Bahrainis in various fields reflect their strong determination to honour their country. The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving Royal Family members and senior state officials, at the Gudaibiya Palace today. During the meeting, HH Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa was honoured to extend an invitation to HRH the Prime Minister to attend the wedding ceremony of HH Shaikh Hamad bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. HRH the Premier expressed congratulations to HH Shaikh Hamad bin Salman on the occasion, wishing him a blessed marriage and a happy marital life. On sports, HRH Premier expressed appreciation of the outstanding organisation of the draw of the "Khalifa bin Salman Men’s Basketball Cup", which, he said, reflects the efforts of the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA), led by HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, and its endeavours to develop basketball in Bahrain to bring about more successes and championships. HRH the Prime Minister stressed the importance of taking care of Bahrain’s authentic folk heritage and pass it the country’s rich civilisational legacy to the coming generations so as to be reminiscent of the people’s authenticity and civilisation. The Premier also commended the efforts to revive authentic Arab sports, such as falconry, noting that they embody the region’s cultural traditions. HRH Premier recalled the contributions of national work pioneers, and their dedicated efforts in various fields, stressing that Bahrainis have always been known for their good qualities and reputation. On economy, HRH the Prime Minister valued highly the role played by the private sector to support the government’s efforts to strengthen the pillars of national economy, and consolidate the trade, industrial and investment atmosphere, affirming that the private sector is an essential partner to the government in its nation-building and development efforts.