HM King of Bahrain receives IPU president

Manama, Jan. 17(BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa vowed to continue the march of development and modernisation and build on landmark national gains for citizens to progress and thrive. Receiving Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Gabriela Cuevas Barron at Al-Safriya Palace today, he outlined Bahrain’s pioneering democratic and parliamentary strides ever since the reform project was launched . He lauded strong cooperation between the Council of Representatives and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, stressing the importance of such visits in bolstering joint cooperation and exchanging parliamentary and democratic expertise and practices. He hailed the election of a Bahraini woman as Speaker of the Council of Representatives, in a landmark historic first in the region, adding that other women candidates also won parliamentary seats. He commended Bahraini women who succeeded in attaining a high status, thanks to their competence as well as citizens’ consciousness and decades-long respect for women’s role. "In Bahrain well live as a closely-knit family that welcomes people from all over the world with utmost hospitality that stems from long-standing traditions", he said, wishing the IPU president success during her visit to take stock of Bahrain’s home-grown democracy. The IPU president expressed delight at meeting HM the King and visiting the Kingdom of Bahrain. She commended Bahrain’s development and progress, hailing parliamentary strides and women’s political participation. She lauded cooperation between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Council of Representatives, hailing the election of Speaker Fawziya bint Abdulla Zainal which, she said, reflects Bahraini women’ role and status.