Day: July 9, 2024

Manama, Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, the Director General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with Khaled El Mekwad, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Mazen Shaqoura, the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. They discussed cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Commission for Human Rights in areas related to the development of human rights. They also reviewed the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026) and progress made in the two voluntary pledges made by the Kingdom, which are the development of a comprehensive national framework for human rights and a diploma in "Peaceful Coexistence Diplomacy," aiming to promote peace, human fraternity, and solidarity. The meeting was attended by Dr. Arwa Hassan Al Sayed, the Chief of Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador, and the accompanying delegation. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, met with Eric Giraud-Telme, the Ambassador of France to Bahrain. Shaikh Salman emphasised the strength and continuous development of the bilateral relations and cooperation between Bahrain and France across various domains. The Minister of Finance and National Economy affirmed the importance of further strengthening Bahrain-France relations, particularly in the financial and economic sectors. Source: Bahrain News Agency

AlUla, The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced that a team of archaeologists has reached the first comprehensive description of human settlements in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Neolithic period. This achievement was made through a study supervised by the authority, which found evidence indicating that the region's inhabitants in the sixth and fifth millennium BC was more stable and developed than previously thought, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The research indicates that the inhabitants of this area were herding cattle, and practicing the jewelry industry, and the business of trade, as their location helped them to engage in their trade with the various neighboring areas such as East Jordan and areas overlooking the Red Sea. The study indicates that the stone slabs erected in two rows in the outer circumference of the circle appear to have been used as foundations for wooden columns (possibly Acacia) that were used to support the roof of the dwelling, with a sl ab in the center of the circle to support the main wooden column. The tools and animal remains found at the site indicate that the ceilings may have been made of animal skins. The study also revealed that the types of arrowheads found closely matched those used in southern and eastern Jordan, which is a clear indication of the interaction and interdependence between the inhabitants of the two regions. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, the Acting Attorney-General, Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Chief, met with Mazen Shaqoura, the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Al Hazza noted the ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom and the UN in upholding human rights, respecting fundamental freedoms, and achieving sustainable development. The SIU Chief outlined the unit's fundamental role in upholding human rights within the criminal justice system in Bahrain by applying relevant international standards, and noted the reduction in the rate of complaints as a result of its work. He said the establishment of the unit reflects the Kingdom's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the First Deputy Chairman of SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), chaired the fifth board meeting of the BOC at Al Wadi Palace. HH Shaikh Khalid commended the efforts of the members of the board and the executive body, led by Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, the Secretary General of BOC. His Highness emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to promote the sports movement. The meeting discussed the items on the agenda and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. HH Shaikh Khalid was briefed on the latest developments regarding the Kingdom's participation in the Paris Olympics 2024. HH Shaikh Khalid underscored the importance of preparing for the Olympics, which is considered the most important global sporting event, and wished the Bahraini delegation success. His Highness was briefed on the preparations for the International School Games (ISF) Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024 in Oct ober and the arrangements for the sixth edition of the School Olympiad. His Highness emphasised the importance of involving the largest number of public and private schools in preparation for the ISF 2024. The BOC meeting reviewed preparations for Bahrain to host the 2024 High Diving World Cup, a qualifying event for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. The board also approved the organisational structure of the Supreme Organising Committee, headed by Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, as well as a cooperation agreement between the Olympic Committee and The Art Hotel and Resort to host the Olympic swimming pool for the event. The BOC board approved the Olympic Committee's participation in the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand in November 2024, with Redha Manfredi approved as the Director of Bahrain's delegation. The board emphasised the need to coordinate with sports federations on their participation to finalise the size of the teams in line with the allocated budget. They also a pproved Bahrain's participation in the 2025 Arab Women's Games and directed the Olympic Committee to assess the readiness of national federations to participate. Regarding the National Centre for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, the BOC board approved the formation of a medical committee headed by Fares Thulfiqar Noureddine to study and follow up on treatment requests from male and female players. For the Olympic Academy, the board decided to coordinate with the International Olympic Academy to launch an accredited bachelor's programme in sports management, to graduate qualified personnel to work in sports clubs and federations. The BOC board approved the launch of an online store for the sale of the Olympic Committee's sports kits and equipment. It also approved Bahrain's hosting of the first-ever International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Executive Committee meeting in 2025. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) held its 18th regular meeting in its fifth session, chaired by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of SCIA. During the meeting, the council congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the royal family, the people of Bahrain, and the entire Islamic nation on the new Hijri Year 1446. The council commended the directives and visions outlined by HM King Hamad during this week's Cabinet session to promote national action across various domains. Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed emphasised HM the King's efforts to preserve Bahraini values rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions, respect for all religions and pride in its heritage and noble values. He commended HM King's directives to develop an action plan aimed at preserving the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain's buildings and cities, while addressing infrastructure r equirements essential for historical areas. The council commended HM the King's commitment to strengthening Arab unity, promoting peace and good relations among neighbouring countries, rejecting discrimination, and refraining from aggressive policies and proxy wars, as well as efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. The council praised HM King Hamad's support of religious occassions, including Ashoora, within HM the King's commitment to upholding public rights and freedoms, particularly religious rituals and events. They also commended the government's efforts, headed by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in cooperation with relevant entities to ensure the success of the annual commemoration of Ashoora. The council emphasised that these freedoms embody Bahrain's fundamental principles of religious tolerance and coexistence. Participants also commended the collaboration and efforts of all involved parties, including official and civil entities in this regard. Additionally, the council congratulated Bahrain's pilgrims for completing Hajj. They commended the Kingdom's efforts, under the leadership of HM the King, in managing the affairs of pilgrims, ensuring their well-being and providing comprehensive services, facilities, \and support. The council also commended the efforts of the Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, the Bahrain Pilgrimage Mission, and all licensed Bahraini Hajj tour operators. The council hailed the successf of the Hajj season for the year 1445 AH, underscoring the efforts of Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. The council condemned the ongoing aggressive actions and violations by Israel against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and across the occupied Palestinian territories. This includes ongoing illegal settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, which led to the tragic loss of life and displacement of thousands of innocent civilians, mainly children and women. The council emphasised that these actions are flagrant violations that contravene all religious, moral, humanitarian, legal, and international norms, principles, and treaties. The council urged the international community to take a firm stance for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It called for implementing international resolutions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, ensure the delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance in a comprehensive, secure, sustainable, and unhindered manner. The council underscored the importance of granting the Palestinian people their rightful entitlement to establish an independent state. Furthermore, the council discussed the topics on the agenda, including the preparations for the Islamic Dialogue Conference to be held under the patronage of HM King Hamad. This conference is held following the call from His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam Sheikh of A l Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at the 'Bahrain Dialogue Forum: East and West for Human Coexistence', which was hosted in the Kingdom in November 2022. The council reviewed the results of the joint meeting held by His Eminence Dr. Al Tayeb, and the delegation of the Muslim Council of Elders, in preparation for Bahrain's hosting of the Islamic Dialogue Conference in early 2025. The conference will bring together participants including prominent Islamic scholars and institutional experts from around the world. The council also discussed a memorandum from the general secretariat concerning the issuance of the Bahraini Hijri calendar for the year 1446 AH in various formats (wall, notebook, and desk versions of both types), under the directives of HM the King. The council expressed their appreciation for HM the King for supporting and approving the calendar's annual printing. They praised the efforts of the Supreme Committee for the Bahraini Calendar, led by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed, the technical committees, and the General Secretariat of the Council for their efforts in preparing, printing, and distributing the calendar. The council reviewed the report from the Sharia Opinion Committee concerning a draft law forwarded to the council by the government. Additionally, the council approved the recommendations outlined in the committee's report. The council discussed the report of the mosque construction committee, which highlights the progress in implementing the council's plan for mosque reconstruction. The report documented the latest developments in six mosque projects supported by the council, as well as five additional projects supported by donors under the council's supervisions. The council was informed on the decision of the Board of Directors of the Holy Quran Recitation and Teachers Preparation Institute to grant accreditation to students who have fulfilled the graduation criteria, according to the academic plan in the Holy Qur'an Teacher Diploma Programme. Source: Bahrain Ne ws Agency