Manama, Dec. 15 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain is decorated in red and white, the colors of its flag, every year on December 16 and 17 to celebrate its National Day. This occasion comes in celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Islamic state founded by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783, and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.
National celebrations represent one of the components of the Bahraini identity that is celebrated by citizens and residents.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision for development and democracy has created a solid platform for progress since the National Action Charter (NAC) in 2001. The enhanced political, social and economic momentum has led to greater prosperity, freedoms, coexistence and the empowerment of women and youth.
The nation continues to build on its tremendous progress in many areas over the decades, to which the people of this land have contributed in the spirit of #TeamBahrain. Detailed strategies have been put in place to ensure the sustainability of these results.
The parliamentary elections this year witnessed the largest participation rate in the history of the elections, at 73.1%. The percentage of women’s participation increased to 48% of the voters, candidates, and winners in the parliamentary and municipal elections. Youth participation reached 45%.
Dozens of agreements, executive programs and memorandums of understanding have been signed between the Kingdom of Bahrain and a number of countries and organizations as a result of its active participation in foreign policy.
Bahrain’s foreign policy approach not only focuses on common interests, but also seeks to maintain global and regional security and stability. Within the framework of international cooperation, the Kingdom also contributes to international efforts to secure the flow of the food supply chain and collective efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve zero carbon emissions.
In line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has established a dynamic partnership with the private sector with the aim of reaching more stages of sustainable development. As a result, progress has been made in trade, economic growth, finance, insurance, real estate, tourism and industry. Bahrain has also succeeded in diversifying non-oil revenues and creating sustainable strategies to serve economic growth, education, environmental protection and urban development.
Bahrain’s policies related to fiscal balance, revenue diversification, economic recovery, and maintaining sovereign debt at safe levels; It resulted in a surplus of 33 million Bahraini dinars in its budget during the first half of 2022, for the first time since 2008.
The Kingdom continues to invest in economic development as a tool to advance comprehensive national development. The national economy grew by 6.9% in the second quarter of 2022, the highest since 2011, according to the report issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy. The Information and e-Government Authority also announced that foreign direct investment grew by 5.6%, with an inflow of 669 million Bahraini dinars.
Bahrain’s financial sector has benefited from this dynamism, as government policies have led to a significant improvement in the Kingdom’s credit rating by most rating agencies. Standard & Poor’s changed Bahrain’s rating from stable to positive in its latest report released last month in November.
The government has used ICT as a basic tool to provide smart solutions for more efficient government services in all sectors. The focus on information and communication technology, along with the use of green energy, has created educational and training opportunities for youth and thus value-added job opportunities.
The tourism sector also witnessed a big boom this year. The Council of Ministers announced that tourism revenues in the third quarter of 2022 reached 1.2 million Bahraini dinars, an increase of 110%. This exceeded the target set by the National Tourism Strategy for the period 2022-2026.
In terms of competitiveness, Bahrain ranked first in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa region in the Index of Economic Freedom in the World 2022 issued by the Fraser Institute. It also made improvements in government performance indicators, financial market stability, investment attraction, coexistence, communications infrastructure, and cybersecurity. All of these factors contribute to increased investor confidence and a more durable economy.
On the human rights front, Bahrain has issued its National Human Rights Plan 2022-2026. The plan was prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Higher Coordinating Committee for Human Rights. It covers four focal points: civil and political rights. economic, social and cultural rights, and the rights of groups with priority care needs; and solidarity rights. The plan includes 17 main objectives, 34 sub-objectives, and 102 projects, each of which is designed to achieve the desired objectives, especially in the areas of legislation, institutional development, capacity building, awareness-raising, and participation in achieving the objectives of the plan.
Bahrain’s implementation of alternative sentences and the opening of prisons are in line with the progress it seeks to achieve in the field of human rights.
The historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Bahrain last November, at the invitation of His Majesty the King, was a moment that highlighted Bahrain’s firm belief in the principles of coexistence and diversity. His Holiness participated in the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence” with His Eminence Sheikh Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Elders, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
During his visit and the forum, the Kingdom announced the King Hamad International Prize for Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence. This comes as a continuation of Bahrain’s efforts in this regard and the principles contained in the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration, which was launched in Los Angeles in 2017.
NNT