HM King opens Mara'ee Show 2019

Manama, Apr. 9 (BNA): HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today patronized the opening ceremony of the Mara'ee Show 2019 taking place in the in the international village of Bahrain. HM the King was received upon arrival by Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the show, Issam bin Abdullah Khalaf, and a number of senior officials. Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Parliament Speaker Fawzia bint Mohammed Zainal, Shura Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh and senior officials were also present. HM the King was accompanied by Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. After playing the national anthem, a few versus of the Holy Quran were recited, the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning gave a speech, in which he expressed gratitude to HM the King for patronizing the opening ceremony of the Mara'ee Show 2019, expressing appreciation of the royal directives to hold the event on an annual bases, which have greatly contributed to the success of the 2018 version, noting the huge turnout that exceeded 160,000 citizens, residents and visitors from abroad, which also accentuated Bahrain’s capability to organize specialized international shows. The minister said the royal directives to promote the food security are included in the ministry’s plans and strategies to be implemented in conformity with the Action Plan of the government chaired by 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. He highlighted working by the royal directives to increase the ratio of self-sustainment and achieving relative food security through supporting farmers, breeders and encouraging on the use of agricultural technologies, in addition to increasing green lands and the optimum utilization of water and groundwater resources. He pointed out the ministry’s interest in marine resources through the promotion of fish farming projects in cooperation with the private sector and the implementation of legislation to protect marine resources to conserve fish stocks for present and next generation. He praised the efforts of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the king, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development. He noted the royal support for the animal heritage in general, and horse breed in particular and the royal directives to maintain the Bahraini Arabian horse blood to pass to future generations. The minister said the Mara'ee Show 2019 reflects Bahrain’s keenness to achieve a group of strategic goals to contribute to the agricultural and animal domestic production. He noted HRH the Crown Prince’s follow-up to the food security coordination committee as a government initiative stems from the Government Action Plan. He wished HM the King abundant good health and happiness and the Kingdom of Bahrain further progress and prosperity. The Galician Division of the Presidential Equestrian Complex of the Republic of Turkmenistan, gusts of this year’s show, demonstrated equestrian shows that won the approbation of audience. Then, HM the King honoured the owners of the winning animals of various categories. The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister presented HM the King with a commemorative memento. HM the King then toured the exhibition, which showcased pictures of horses, birds, the environment and other items. The exhibitors briefed HM the King about their artworks. He was also presented with gifts. HM the King lauded the exquisite artworks, hailing the organizers’ efforts to hold the exhibition on the sidelines of the Mara'ee Show 2019. He underlined Bahrain’s keen interests in support the sector of animal resources and agriculture, which represent the cornerstone of development to bolster national sustainable food security. He commended the efforts of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Royal Guard, which contributed to the success of the exhibition. He appreciated the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to organize the show, hailing national initiatives to develop agricultural and animal production and integrate modern technologies in vital projects. He lauded the shows staged by the riders affiliated with the Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, hailing their participation which reflect strong bilateral relations binding the two brotherly countries. HM the King hailed Bahrainis’ success in attracting international companies and expertise to develop agricultural and animal production, stressed the importance of participating in such special events to bolster the Kingdom’s food security, diversify its sources and encourage investment in this vital sector which contributes to spurring economic growth.