Premier’s statesmanship, farsighted vision hailed

Vienna, Oct. 22 (BNA): The Royal Habsburg Family and the Hollabrunn City Council awarded the Order of the Golden Merit to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa in recognition of his efforts to protect societies, support charities and humanitarian activities and advocate peace. The decoration is also an acknowledgement of HRH the Premier’s noble values and personal commitment to achieving others’ welfare and dedicated efforts to promote global peace. On behalf of HRH the Premier, Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa received the decoration during a grand ceremony held at Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. The event was attended by Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete, senior members of the Habsburg Family and more than 200 guests. The Guests of Honour also included the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Prince Laurent, representative of Belgium, former Austrian Defence Minister, ambassadors accredited to Austria, aristocrats, leading figures media personalities. The executive committee chaired by the Archduchess Herta Margarete awarded the decoration to HRH the Premier in recognition of his landmark achievements, regardless of gender, social status, nationality, ethnic origin or intellectual belief. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa were received on arrival at the venue of the ceremony by Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete and senior members of the Habsburg Family. Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg conferred two commemorative medals on Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa on this occasion. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa addressed the ceremony, on behalf of HRH the Premier, thanking Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete and all the audience. He expressed thanks, on behalf of the government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain. for the invitation to take part the ceremony that commemorates Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria. He paid tribute to late Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, hailing his memorable legacy as a leader who advocated landmark constitutional reforms to achieve progress and development in his country for generations to come. He hailed the landmark strides achieved by Austria owing to the principles and foundations which were laid by Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria for the sake of his country and people. “In my country the Al-Khalifa Dynasty forefathers were also trailblazers who had a firm belief in the importance of partnership, mustering collective efforts to achieve a better life for all people”, he said. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa reiterated Bahrain’s unflinching commitment to achieve stability and equality on the path of international cooperation. Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg also addressed audience, welcoming the participants who attended the ceremony that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, who passed away at Schönbrunn Palace aged 86 after He held power for 68 years from 1848. A magnificent military and musical parade was held in front of Schönbrunn Palace in honour of Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa. The ceremony was attended by veterans in imperial military uniforms dating back to the era of Emperor Franz Josef, members of the Habsburg Royal Family, guests, officials and citizens. Held for the first time to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, the ceremony was massively covered by the official German, Austrian and Hungarian media. A reception ceremony was also held at Schönbrunn Palace in honour of Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa. They were received on arrival by Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete, senior members of the Habsburg and the national anthems of the two countries were played. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al-Khalifa delivered a speech, conveying greetings from HRH the Premier which wished the Republic of Austria and its people further progress and prosperity. He hailed the ceremony which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, He expressed sincerest thanks to Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete for extending an invitation to HRH the Premier ton attends the ceremony. He hailed the visit of Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg and his wife Archduchess Herta Margarete to Bahrain last March to present to HRH the Premier the Flame of Peace in recognition of his statesmanship and leadership. Archduke Sándor Von Habsburg delivered a speech, saying that the ceremony commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Emperor Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria, the longest-serving monarch in the history of Europe. He paid tribute to HRH the Premier for his dedicated efforts to support and disseminate the culture of peace, farsighted vision which advocates rapprochement between all peoples.