HRH Premier's peace efforts, initiatives hailed

Vienna, Oct. 23 (BNA): The ceremony held here yesterday by the Austrian Association for the Furtherance of Peace embodies the great contributions of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to efforts aimed at promoting and consolidating global peace. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa attended the grand ceremony held at Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna, in the presence of Archduke S?ndor Von Habsburg and Archduchess Herta Margarete, members of the Bahraini delegation and many guests and senior personalities. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid delivered a statement in which he conveyed the greetings HRH Premier, and wishes of success to the ceremony in appreciation of peace and friendship. He affirmed that the mission of Austrian Association for the Furtherance of Peace and the Flame of Peace is noble, as the world is currently facing serious security challenges and humanitarian disasters that require concerted efforts to reinforce peace, security and stability. "The Peace of Flame, which is a symbol of peace all over the world, is reminiscent of our responsibilities towards peace in our ideas, words and deeds," he said, stressing that the "Flame of Peace Award" plays a crucial role in mobilising humanitarian efforts and consolidating them for the sake of global peace, being a key initiatives that deserves all kinds of supports by all parties who are committed to dedicating their efforts towards achieving peace and stability. "We were overjoyed by HRH the Prime Minister's winning of the Flame of Peace Award, which promoted Bahrain's distinguished status as a role model for the culture of fraternity and co-existence which the award stands for," he said. He added that Bahrain and Austria are two models that show how various cultures can bear shared responsibilities through those simple initiatives, and take the initiative to foster international peace while taking common goals into consideration. He highlighted the kingdom's commitment to continuing its endeavours to promote peace and stability in the region and the world, stressing that the Flame of Peace Monument which was set up at the Bahrain national Museum is a reminder of the need to constant work for promoting peace. "We affirm to you that we will continue moving forward on this noble path in order to achieve a better future for the world," he also said. Archduke S?ndor Von Habsburg and Archduchess Herta Margarete lauded HRH the Prime Minister's efforts to promote peace at the regional and global levels, praising the Premier's initiatives that embody his belief in the importance of peace as an essential factor that supports the efforts of countries and peoples at the level of sustainable development. He asserted that HRH Premier's obtaining of the Flame of Peace Award adds to his rich record of well-deserving awards and honouring bestowed on him by many international and regional organisations, being an international personality with clear imprints in achieving peace, security and progress. They wished the kingdom further progress and prosperity. A number of artistic and musical shows were held during the ceremony and impressed the audience. The surprise of the ceremony was that the players of the Bahrain women's national football team, currently on a training camp in Austria, joined the podium and were warmly applauded by the audience. Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa greeted the Bahraini players, stressing that they projected Bahrain's civilisational image and mission based on peace and rapprochement among peoples. Shaikha Dhawa bin Khalid Al Khalifa extended, on behalf of team mates, heartfelt congratulations to HRH the Prime Minister on winning the Order of the Golden Fleece of the First Class, in recognition of his efforts to protect societies, support charities and humanitarian activities and advocate peace. She also thanked Archduke S?ndor Von Habsburg and Archduchess Herta Margarete, and the Association for the Furtherance of Peace for their support to the training camp of the Bahraini women's national football team, and keenness to ensure its success. She affirmed that the Bahrain Football Association and the Bahrain women's national football team have succeeded in projecting an honorable image of Bahraini women and youth.