HM King patronises ceremony marking national days

Manama, Dec. 16 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, a ceremony marking the kingdom’s national celebrations on 16 and 17 December, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783, the 47th anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the 19th anniversary of HM the King’s Accession to the Throne, On arrival at the Al-Sakhir Palace, the artillery fired 21 rounds to salute HM the King, who was accompanied by a constellation of cavalry. HM King Hamad was welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The National anthem was played and some holy Quran verses were recited. Then, HM the King delivered the follwoing keynote speech: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful “Praise be to Allah, and prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammed and his family and companions, “Your Highnesses and Excellencies, “Distinguished guests, “Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you, “At the outset, it is our pleasure to extend to all our sincere congratulations on the occasion of the glorious National Day, which again renews our feelings of pride in the authenticity of the Bahraini state, which emerged more than two centuries ago, and in which the tidings of prosperity and progress have continued ever since, thanks to Allah, and to the vision of its leaders and the loyalty of its people, who have proven themselves throughout history to be a true source of support to their leaders in serving their country in the best way. “This is an auspicious occasion to express our thanks and appreciation to the generous people of Bahrain, men and women, for fulfilling their national and constitutional duties in their finest form, by their disciplined and responsible turnout at ballot boxes to select their representatives in the Council of Representatives and municipal councils, to start a new phase of work towards our brighter future, with the guidance of Allah. “In light of the successive achievements and great joys witnessed by our country, we must commend here the fact that a Bahraini woman has become Speaker of the Council of Representatives, a great historic national achievement, of which we are very proud. We reiterate our sincere congratulations to Her Excellency Fawzia Abdulla Zainal on her efforts that have led to this important post, wishing her success in carrying out her upcoming responsibilities. “Distinguished guests, “In celebrating the National Day of our country, and out of our duty towards the sacrifices of the sons of Bahrain, we recall with pride the lessons of loyalty and bravery of our righteous martyrs throughout history, which inspire us to exert our utmost to protect the homeland and defend its interests in the greatest form. We cannot here but ask Allah Almighty to accommodate our martyrs in His mercy and forgiveness in paradise. “In conclusion, this celebration is an opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the pioneers of our national development, men and women, conveying our sincere gratitude to the group of honorees for their loyal efforts and contributions. Every thanks and praise to all those who have made serving Bahrain and its advancement a great honour and high purpose. “Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you. After that, HM King Hamad honoured national work pioneering, and presented them with medals. Then, the Chief Executive of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Ausamah bin Abdullah Al Absi, deleivered a statement on behalf of the honourees in which he extended congratulations to HM the King and the entire nation on the national days. He expressed deep pride in the King’s honouring of the national work pioneers, noting that the honouring is a badge of honour that will remain engraved in the kingdom’s history. He asserted that national work pioneers deserve the royal honouring for their dedication in serving the nation. He also hailed HM King Hamad’s unwavering interest in advancing Bahraini women who, he said, have contributed to the kingdom’s progress in various fields. Then, HM King Hamad, HRH Premier and HRH the Crown Prince shook hands with the attendees who, extended to HM the King heartfelt congratulations on the national days, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the kingdom with ever-lasting joy, security, stability and prosperity. WHQ