Bahrain calls for anti-pandemic proactive global strategy at NAM Summit

Manama, May 5, (BNA): On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa delivered a speech at the virtual summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The meeting, called by Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, the chair of the current session of NAM, was held under the theme of "United against COVID-19” and discussed responses to the ongoing pandemic crisis. HH Shaikh Mohammed conveyed the greetings of HM the King to President Aliyev and to the heads of delegations participating in the online summit, wishing them success. The Deputy Premier referred to the conditions in which the summit is being held as extremely dangerous and unprecedented in modern history. He said the pandemic virus that did not spare any country or people has caused severe human, economic and social damage. Bahrain's participation in the summit is a confirmation of its support for the goals and principles of the Non-Aligned Movement to protect the security and safety of the world from all dangers and disasters, he added. HH Shaikh Mohammed said that Bahrain, since the outbreak of the virus, and aware of its national responsibilities, undertook under the guidance of HM King Hamad proactive efforts and measures to confront the epidemic. The Kingdom was able, through its precautionary and preventive measures, to contain the virus thanks to the speedy detection of the affected cases and their contacts and to the intensification of awareness campaigns, which contributed to mitigate its spread and limit the number of its victims, HH Shaikh Mohammed said. The strenuous efforts made by the Bahrain taskforce in various sectors and by volunteers have had a great role in responding effectively to the epidemic within a framework of transparency and comprehensive and free medical care provided to citizens and residents alike. Bahrain is ready to share the experience of its success that was praised by the World Health Organization and other countries with the world, he added. The Deputy Premier said that Bahrain has also taken specific steps to support its national economy and mitigate the effects of the epidemic economically and socially. It launched a generous financial package that included paying citizens' salaries in the private sector for three 3 months, bearing electricity and water bills for all subscribers for the same duration, and announcing a series of industrial, commercial and tourism exemptions and loan restructuring in cooperation with banks and financial institutions. Emphasizing the importance of the summit, HH Shaikh Mohammed said that without exception, everyone is doing what is possible to confront a single enemy that threatens human lives and separates members of the same family and not only countries and peoples. The pandemic has brought normal human life to a stop and paralyzed movement around the world that has become a small global village. HH Shaikh Mohammed affirmed Bahrain's commitment to the movement's goals and principles, especially those of the noble humane summit, calling for devoting all efforts to confront the pandemic. He proposed recommendations that Bahrain believes might contribute to supporting such efforts, both in the present and the future: - Working to develop a proactive global strategy to monitor such epidemics, pandemics and disasters and to respond to them as they occur as quickly and as ably as possible. - Strengthening scientific research centers for peaceful purposes within a collective and international framework supported by transparency of work and clarity of goals. - Helping developing countries to build and enhance their infrastructure and sustainable development sectors, especially healthcare and education, so that they can immunize themselves against epidemics and diseases, and particularly those that are infectious and widespread, while helping to provide food and medicine to countries in need of such assistance. - Supporting the World Health Organization and its efforts to fulfill its role and goals in the service of all humanity for which it was set up.