Ambassador to Italy participates in special celebration on International Day of Banks

Manama, Dec. 3 (BNA): The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Italian Republic, Dr. Nasser Al-Balooshi, participated today in a special celebration on the occasion of the International Day of Banks, organised by the Bahrain Association of Banks, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy and the Central Bank of Bahrain. The virtual celebration was held with the participation of Director of Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Fatima Al-Dhaen. The Ambassador praised the efforts of the United Nations and the importance it attaches to the sustainability of the banking sector in the coming years, with focus on promoting initiatives related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. He noted that the United Nations General Assembly resolution to celebrate the International Day of Banks on December 4 is one of the many steps taken in the right direction to encourage the global community to value this sector and work together to strengthen it. He affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain shares with the United Nations its opinion on the importance of the banking sector, and the Kingdom is aware of the importance of this sector in achieving the sustainable development goals, indicating that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proud of the history of its banking sector. He indicated that in the current decade the sector was built and given a prestigious and respectful position with the presence of nearly 100 banks currently registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain which attaches top priority to protecting the banking sector through its role in the Financial Action Team with focus on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Dr. Balooshi explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain has succeeded in developing a multi-layered ecosystem through the growth of traditional and Islamic banking institutions, as the Kingdom is home to a mix of local and international institutions. This, he said, is something that proves diversity within the banking sector and indicates the importance of the banking sector through its role in feeding economy and enhancing job opportunities in the market. The Ambassador congratulated the banking sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the achievements it had made over the past century. In a related context, Ambassador Fatima Abdullah Al-Dhaen, Director of Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed during her statement that the concerted efforts led to the United Nations General Assembly’s adopting this important initiative by declaring an International Day of Banks which was presented by the Kingdom of Bahrain to be a new international achievement that emphasises the status of the Kingdom of Bahrain as an active member in the international community in various fields. She noted that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has an effective and integrated vision to enhance cooperation and partnership with the United Nations Organisation, and attained landmark achievements at all levels.