King stresses Executive-Legislature agreement

Manama, Jan. 22 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at the Al-Sakhir Palace today. HM the King reviewed with HRH Premier national issues of common interest, affirming that the next phase requires more efforts and fruitful work to enhance the kingdom’s status, maintain and increase national achievements and carry on the nation-building and progress. HM King Hamad directed that procedures regulating the rationalisation of public expenditure should be based on agreement between the Executive and the Legislature, and through prioritising the most important issues that benefit medium and low income citizens, noting that the consensus between the two branches should be reached during the discussion of this year’s general state budget. HM the King also gave instructions to continue diversifying the national economy through supporting the existing sectors and creating new economic sectors, directing the National Audit Office to follow-up on these policies without delay, being within its terms of reference. HM King Hamad lauded the tireless and continuous efforts exerted by HRH Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to develop government action, and their keenness to adopt initiatives and programmes that support economic development plans that serve Bahrain and its people. HM the King also appreciated and voiced pride in the dedication of Bahrainis at all work and production sites, and their constant keenness to serve the development march in various fields for the sake of Bahrain’s present and the interest of the future generations. In this regard, HM King Hamad gave directives to pay more attention to the citizens’ issues, and to fulfill their needs. He also gave instructions to improve the quality of government services, and to provide the requirements of decent living for the citizens. Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, extended an invitation to HM King Hamad to attend the marriage of his son, HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.