Manama: King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa has reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to the combat against terrorism and its backers and funders.
"The Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its adherence to the basic principles declared by the countries calling for the fight against terrorism and uncovering the supporters and funders of terrorism who adopt political agendas that aim to fabricate crises, divide ranks and threaten the security and stability of the region,” King Hamad said on Sunday as he opened the last term of the parliament elected in 2014.
"In this context, we would like to thank our defence and security forces for their vigilance, wisdom, patience, dedication and sacrifice in preserving the security, sovereignty and stability of our beloved Kingdom.”
King Hamad stressed that the security and stability of Bahrain “is invariably linked to the readiness and vigilance of its people to defend their social cohesion and national solidarity, based on the principles of coexistence, tolerance and pluralism.”
"Such values have shaped the features of our civilised society, which has always taken to the world its own vision on religious respect, peaceful coexistence and civilizational dialogue, the very feature that makes Bahrain’s voice heard and its position esteemed in terms of reinforcing peace and serving humanity.”
Bahrain’s military, security and diplomatic potential will also be mobilised to confront any illegal interference and deal with any crises that aim to destabilize its Arab region, he added.
"The Kingdom of Bahrain will remain, as has always been known in the Arab world, faithful to its causes, protecting its security and defending its interests.”
In his speech at the ceremony attended by the members of the bicameral parliament, the government, diplomats, army and security leaders, heads of societies, and the media King Hamad also paid tribute to the progress of the personal status of women in the kingdom.
"It is a matter of pride that Bahraini women today have gone beyond the traditional stages of empowerment to reach the higher status they now enjoy. They represent a high percentage of the country’s public and private sector professionals. We regard this achievement as a source of national pride that we should all cherish,” he said.
Bahrain in July approved a unified family draft law to improve the legal status of women and bolster family stability.
The draft law consisting of 141 articles dealing with the provisions of engagement, marriage, custody, alms, alimony, and divorce, according to the Sunni and Shiite jurisprudence was overwhelmingly welcomed as a major breakthrough for women's rights.
