HM King’s reform approach strengthened Bahrain’s status as a beacon of security, peaceful co-existence: Foreign Minister

Manama, Sept. 29 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, has praised the reform approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which strengthened the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a beacon of security, stability and peaceful coexistence under the rule of law and respect for human rights. The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted the royal initiatives and the directives of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting the Bahrain Police and its active role in maintaining the security and safety of Bahrain, protecting lives and property, combating crime in all its forms, consolidating justice and enforcing law in accordance with international human rights standards. All this, he said, has contributed to providing a safe and stable environment that ensures civil and social peace, and ensuring the adherence to the spirit of “Team Bahrain” in continuing the comprehensive and sustainable development process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs extended his appreciation and thanks to the Minister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, for the outstanding security achievement, represented in the decrease of the overall crime rate by 30%. This is the outcome of the relentless efforts and continuous achievements of the Ministry and all its employees in maintaining security and public order, and providing police and security services with sincerity, professionalism, efficiency, and competence, within the framework of respecting human rights and promoting the values of tolerance, national unity, and the spirit of loyalty, belonging and good citizenship, he added. Dr. Al-Zayani lauded the concerted national efforts of the legislative and executive branches, human rights institutions, in addition to the society’s awareness in implementing the initiatives of National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Citizenship (Bahrainouna), launched by the Minister of Interior. He also noted their ability to keep pace with contemporary criminal legislation related to the mechanisms of work of the reformation and rehabilitation centres, under the Alternative Sentencing Law, the Open Prisons Programme, and the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Maltreatment, and their contributions to protecting the security and cohesion of society.