A pledge to make Bahrain’s exceptional fifth legislative session a period of tangible achievements, with new laws supporting economic growth, investment, and food and water security among the priorities has been made by Bahrain’s highest elected legislator.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the fifth session of the sixth legislative term, opened by His Majesty King Hamad, National Assembly and Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam said the exceptional circumstances surrounding the extension of the legislative term carried a major national responsibility for both the Shura Council and Parliament.
He stressed the need to strengthen co-operation between the legislative and executive authorities, protect national unity and ensure citizens’ security and interests remained at the heart of their work.
“We pledge to Your Majesty that the current session will be one of qualitative achievements, translating national priorities into advanced legislation that supports the knowledge economy, the investment environment, food security and water security,” he said.
The fifth session follows a royal order extending the sixth legislative term for an additional session in view of the prevailing circumstances, placing greater emphasis on institutional co-ordination and the continuity of national work.
Mr Al Musallam expressed gratitude for the King’s support for the legislative authority, describing the royal patronage as fundamental to the development of Bahrain’s parliamentary experience.
He also praised His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his efforts to strengthen co-operation between the government and Parliament, advance development projects and improve public services.
He highlighted the government’s strategic planning, economic growth initiatives and partnership with the private sector, saying these efforts had helped Bahrain overcome challenges and create opportunities.
Mr Al Musallam paid tribute to the King’s directives to support citizens affected by Iranian attacks against Bahrain, including directives for the government to address the resulting damage.
He praised the armed forces and the military, security and civilian authorities, as well as the public’s response, describing the country’s resilience and unity as a source of national strength.
He also condemned attacks by Houthi militias against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, describing them as flagrant violations of international and international humanitarian law.
The Speaker expressed appreciation to the UAE, under the leadership of President Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for its continued support for Bahrain, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.
He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state under a two-state solution and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Mr Al Musallam called for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through straits and maritime corridors.
The Speaker welcomed the King’s decision to designate 2027 as the Year of Isa bin Salman, honouring the late Amir’s legacy and contributions to Bahrain. He said the initiative reflected the importance of preserving national memory and connecting the country’s present-day progress with its historical foundations.
He noted that Bahrain was marking the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and praised the progress made by Bahraini women across different sectors.
He also commended the achievements of His Majesty’s Personal Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in youth and sports, as well as his efforts to support the economic sector.
In his earlier remarks at the opening of the fifth session, Mr Al Musallam had similarly pledged to translate the royal address into practical legislative action and tangible achievements.
He also emphasised continued co-operation with the Shura Council, chaired by Ali Saleh Al Saleh, and thanked Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain for his efforts to strengthen co-operation with the government.
The Speaker also addressed MPs during the first session last night, committing to serve Bahrain and its citizens under the King’s leadership, as the legislature began an exceptional session shaped by national security concerns and the need to sustain development.
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