HM King chairs joint meeting of Cabinet, Supreme Defence Council

Manama, May 15 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today at the Sakhir Palace chaired a joint meeting of the Cabinet and the Supreme Defence Council to discuss the latest regional and international developments. The meeting was held at the invitation of HM the King in the presence of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. HM the King was briefed on the rapid escalation of the serious developments in the region, which require high military and security readiness and utmost vigilance and caution, as the risks are looming large on the countries of the region caused by the irresponsible policies that adopt subversion and terrorism as a way to destabilize security and stability of the countries of the region, and in an attempt to weakening the role of few GCC countries in supplying oil to the world and obstructing the international navigation. HM the King stressed the strong condemnation of the Kingdom of Bahrain of the terrorist drone attacks on oil pump stations in Saudi Arabia and the sabotage operations that targeted a number of commercial vessels near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates. HM the King underlined Bahrain’s firm stance supportive to the two brotherly countries in confronting terrorism and acts of sabotage and backing any measures to be taken by the same countries to maintain their security and stability. HM the King praised the high military readiness of the Bahrain Defence Force and security agencies to defend the homeland, people and national facilities and interests. HM the King also praised all parties’ commitment to patriotic stances, which have been highlighted by constitutional institutions and civil society organisations and their rejection of exploiting religious platforms for the dissemination of extremism, dividing, sedition and not bringing out stances as they should against threats, interfering in the internal affairs of the homeland or statements offensive to the security and stability of Bahrain. HM the king said any attempt to incite sedation, dividing or inconsistent with the national constants would be firmly dealt with, and that the Kingdom of Bahrain has the power to confront risks that threat its security, stability and its people. HM the King extended thanks to those who participate in maintaining the homeland’s security and safety of citizens of different positions. He said the situation in Bahrain is stable and growth rate is promising and optimistic, and that people’s needs would be available under any circumstances. HM the King welcomed the national achievements made during the first session of the fifth legislative term thanks to the cooperation accomplished between the legislative and executive branches. HM the King reiterated Bahrain’s firm stance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Arab Republic of Egypt and Arab coalition. With regard to Bahrain’s relations at the Arab and international levels, HM the king underscored Bahrain’s keenness to boost its relations and broaden cooperation with Arab and friendly countries.