HH the Deputy Prime Minister chairs weekly Cabinet Meeting

Manama, Dec. 7 (BNA): The Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, today chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting, held remotely. The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the success of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and the Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix 2020, noting the tremendous efforts of the Kingdom’s national workforce in organising and hosting the international races, which reflects the Kingdom’s global reputation as a successful hub for international sporting events. The Cabinet further highlighted the success of the Manama Dialogue, the region’s leading security summit, which covered discussions on regional and international challenges, and explored solutions to further strengthen stability and security. The Cabinet welcomed the start of the first Strategic Dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, to further strengthen the strategic partnership, mutual cooperation and coordination. On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance integrity and combat corruption through developing oversight bodies, and to enact and update legislation to further improve transparency and accountability. The Cabinet outlined the following outcomes: Firstly: The Cabinet approved the following memorandums: 1. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs, regarding amendments to the framework agreement for the establishment of the Global Solar Energy Alliance (ISA) and an update on the Kingdom of Bahrain's accession procedures as a member of this alliance. The memorandum is in line with promoting renewable energy initiatives, and efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainable development. 2. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the National Authority for Space Sciences joining the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), in order to benefit from shared expertise on space sciences in line with the Kingdom's goals in this field. 3. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on the MoU between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the United States of America regarding the protection and preservation of cultural landmarks, to enhance the protection of cultural heritage and enable access to cultural heritage for all. 4. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on a Draft Decision determining fees for issuing VAT certificates and licenses for representatives and agents and the submission of objections. The memorandum aims to further develop organisational processes in this regard. 5. A memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding the expansion of the Bilad Al Qadeem Health Center through a donation from a private charitable society, promoting community partnership aimed at serving the Kingdom’s health sector. 6. A memorandum from the Ministry of Education regarding the French Studies Center at the University of Bahrain joining the Francophone University Agency and accessing the agency's educational resources and services, as well as international experiences in science and research. 7. A joint memorandum from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, regarding a financial grant to the project establishing and equipping the Galali Primary and Secondary School for Girls, to accommodate an expected increase in the number of female students brought about by urban expansion in the area. The project will provide a high-quality learning environment to include educational facilities and scientific laboratories. 8. A memorandum by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding a Draft Decision to reconstitute the National Committee on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, in line with the Kingdom’s continued commitment to meeting international obligations within this field. Secondly: The Cabinet reviewed the following topic: 1. A Memorandum from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs regarding the government's responses to 13 proposals requested by the Council of Representatives.