Bahrain and SFD sign two agreements

Manama, Mar. 24. (BNA) Bahrain has today signed two agreements with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to finance two key health projects worth $58 million. Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa sealed the deal with (SFD) Vice Chairman and managing director Yusuf bin Ibrahim Al-Bassam, in the presence of Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulla bin Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh. The two agreements are part of the second phase of the $2.5 billion Saudi grant under the GCC Development Programme (GCC Marshal Plan). Under the deals, a 60-bed dialysis centre will be constructed in Riffa in a project costing $21 million. The scheme aims at providing premium medical services for patients suffering from kidney failure, slash waiting lists and enhance healthcare standards. A 100-bed centre for long-stay in-patients will also be set up in Muharraq in a project costing $37 million. The minister stressed the importance of the agreements which reflect the keenness of the Government of Bahrain to promote the health sector and launch vital projects. In a statement today, he described the projects as in line with the strategic orientations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. He hailed strong historical relations bonding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lauding the Saudi leadership for supporting Bahrain’s development march.