Legislative goals for the year ahead were presented by National Assembly and Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam yesterday.
Following His Majesty King Hamad’s address marking the opening of the fourth session of the sixth legislative term, Mr Al Musallam delivered a speech expressing gratitude, national pride and Parliament’s keenness to achieve its goals.
Present at the ceremony, at the Isa Cultural Centre, were His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, senior members of the royal family, government officials, diplomats, Shura Council members and MPs.
“It is with pride and gratitude that I express, on behalf of the members of the National Assembly, our sincere appreciation for Your Majesty’s noble gesture in inaugurating this new chapter of parliamentary work,” he said.
“This marks the continuation of a firmly rooted legislative renaissance based on our constitutional traditions and national values.”
He affirmed that Bahrain’s parliamentary experience continues to thrive under the visionary leadership of the King whose era has been marked by sustainable development, constitutional reform and unprecedented national progress.
Mr Al Musallam also expressed deep appreciation to HRH Prince Salman for his leadership in fostering a co-operative spirit between the executive and legislative branches.
He cited the unanimous approval of the government’s programme by Parliament as a reflection of shared national goals – particularly in raising living standards, launching development projects and driving economic growth.
“The initiatives led by His Royal Highness – especially the one that guarantees three opportunities for every registered job-seeker – directly support Your Majesty’s vision of placing the Bahraini citizen at the heart of national development.”
He applauded the involvement of the private sector, including the Bahrain Chamber, in helping to provide quality employment and skills development for young Bahrainis.
Looking ahead to the legislative priorities for the session, Mr Al Musallam pledged continued collaboration with the government to modernise Bahrain’s legal framework and uphold responsible freedom of expression and media.
“We are committed to advancing legislative reform in line with Your Majesty’s directives, especially those that safeguard freedom of opinion and enhance the role of the national media,” he affirmed.
In terms of economic policy, the Speaker underscored the importance of supporting industrial innovation, diversifying production, and integrating advanced technologies into all sectors of the economy, aligning with Bahrain’s long-term vision for sustainability and competitiveness.
He recognised the vital role of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and president of the Supreme Council for Women, in advancing women’s empowerment and embedding gender equality into the national development agenda.
Mr Al Musallam highlighted the significant achievements led by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, lauding, in particular, the launch of Bahrain’s national satellite, calling it a “beacon for a bright scientific future”.
He reiterated Bahrain’s foreign policy principles under His Majesty’s leadership, emphasising the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting Gulf, Arab and Islamic co-operation and enhancing international relations.
He welcomed the agreement to halt the war in Gaza, and reaffirmed Bahrain’s unwavering support for the two-state solution and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
“We pay tribute to the heroic resilience of the Palestinian people whose sacrifices have compelled more countries to recognise the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Mr Al Musallam declared.
“This is no longer a distant dream, but a growing reality shaped by a people’s unbreakable will for freedom and dignity.”
The Speaker expressed deep appreciation to the Bahraini Armed Forces, National Guard, Interior Ministry and all the security institutions for their sacrifice and readiness in defending the nation’s sovereignty and security.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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