Bahrain participates in 116th Arab Economic and Social Council Session in Cairo

Cairo, Sep. 3 (BNA): Yusuf Abdulla Alhumood, Undersecretary for Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, led the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the 116th session of the Arab League Economic and Social Council at ministerial level, held in Cairo.

Alhumood affirmed Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening joint Arab action, building economic partnerships, and promoting sustainable development.

He noted Bahrain’s support for advancing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, the Arab Customs Union, and finalising negotiations on the new Arab Investment Agreement, describing these as vital to attracting investment and deepening economic integration.

The Undersecretary highlighted Bahrain’s initiatives during its presidency of the Council, including the Arab Cooperation Initiative on financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and the Bahraini satellite project (Al Munther) as a model of Arab leadership in space and technology.

During the session, Bahrain handed over the Council’s chairmanship to the Republic of Tunisia. Alhumood thanked the Arab League General Secretariat and member states for their cooperation during Bahrain’s presidency and wished Tunisia success in leading the current session.

The meeting reviewed a range of issues, including implementation of the Council’s previous resolutions, preparations for the Arab League Summit’s social and economic file, investment in Arab countries, as well as developments in artificial intelligence, technology, economic diversification, and other developmental matters.