Day: October 24, 2022

Riyadh, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Shareef, and his accompanying delegation arrived in Riyadh today to participate in the Future Investment Initiative (FII).

Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, he was received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region; Saudi Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki; and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Khurram Rathore.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Ambassador of Oman to Bahrain Sayyid Faisal Hareb Al Busaidi has stressed that relations between Oman and Bahrain are deep-rooted and consolidated through economic interests, thanks to a wide range of common factors binding the two countries.

In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the ambassador said that the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Kingdom and his meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa embodies the keenness of both leaders to enhance brotherly relations.

He added that the Bahraini-Omani relations are rooted in the depths of history and transcend the bonds of fraternity, history, and common culture that are solidly established.

Both countries civilizations “Majan” and “Dilmun” were linked through cultural and commercial relations across the ancient port of “Sumhuram” and “Dilmun”.

The ambassador noted that the results of the archaeological excavations and scientific reports proved the existence of these civilizational links and commercial cooperation between the two countries, which confirmed their depth through different eras.

The envoy affirmed that the the Bahraini-Omani relations have become more firmly established thanks to the care accorded to them since the reign of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman and continued during the present reign of His Majesty Sultan Haitham.

He noted that brotherhood and social ties have deepened and expanded between the peoples of both countries.

Therefore, officials in Bahrain and Oman are keen to translate this bond by strengthening cooperation in various political, economic and cultural fields, he added.

The ambassador pointed out that the meetings of the joint committee of the two countries are held regularly to frame their cooperation and open up more opportunities, so that the ties between Bahrain and Oman will gain further strength n light of geographical, religion and cultural bonds.

He highlighted the economic and commercial cooperation through the signing of many agreements and memoranda of understanding between the chambers of commerce and industry of both countries and executive programs, which reflects shared keenness to strengthen economic and trade relations, and stimulate investment exchange opportunities.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

The Cabinet highlighted the ever-growing relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, which build on the unwavering support of both His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said.

In this regard, the Cabinet welcomed the official visit of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, at the invitation of HM the King to the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the importance of the visit in furthering bilateral cooperation and coordination across various fields.

The Cabinet also commended the depth of relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this regard, the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the tenth session of the Joint Higher Committee between the two countries, which was recently held in Bahrain to develop bilateral cooperation and joint coordination across various fields.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister directed the implementation of projects that will improve traffic flow in Bahrain, in this regard the Ministry of Works was appointed to carry out the necessary measures. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Works regarding a number of road development projects.

On the occasion of United Nations Day, the Cabinet congratulated the United Nations and affirmed the importance of their principles and values.

The Cabinet discussed several memorandums during the meeting with the following outcomes:

The approval of the following memorandum:

1. A memorandum by the Minister of Interior on the launch and development of several government services as part of the plan to re-engineer procedures aimed at improving the efficiency of government services.

The Cabinet also reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance regarding the performance of economic indicators for Q3 2022, which showed a positive trajectory for economic indicators and reflects the efforts undergone by the implementation of priority economic development programs such as the Economic Recovery Plan and the Fiscal Balance Program.

The Cabinet also reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs regarding the follow-up of the performance of government agencies in the “Sijilat”, “Tawasul”, and “Benayat” systems for the period from July to October 2022, which remain vital indicators of government service efficiency. The memorandum demonstrated advanced performance levels in the “Tawasul” system, where 52 government agencies received more than 58 thousand submissions, inquiries, and complaints from July to October 2022. In 99.5% of cases, the response time did not exceed the specified timeframe. Regarding the “Benayat” system, 459 requests were received, none of which exceeded the time limit specified in the service level agreement. There were 50,854 requests received and an SLA compliance rate of 99%.

The Cabinet then took note of ministerial reports regarding:

– The official visit of the Minister of Interior to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

– The outcomes of the tenth session of the Joint Higher Committee between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

– Participation in the 23rd meeting of the Ministerial Committee in charge of following up on the implementation of joint action decisions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

– The outcomes of the Minister of Industry and Commerce’s meetings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

– Participation in the 77th session of the executive office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs (CAMSA).

– Participation in the eighth meeting of the Committee of Their Excellencies, the Ministers of Health of the GCC.

– Participation in the 85th meeting of the GCC Health Ministers Council.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today welcomed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman upon arrival here today on an official visit to Bahrain, at the invitation of HM the King.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in addition to senior state officials, also welcomed HM the Sultan of Oman.

Then the convoy of HM King Hamad and HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik headed to the Al-Sakhir Palace, accompanied by a group of cavaliers.

Students from the Ministry of Education’s schools saluted the kingdom’s honourable guest, while Bahraini folk bands celebrated HM’s visit.

After that, an official reception ceremony was held for HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and the national anthems of the two countries were played. 21 artillery rounds were also shot to salute the kingdom’s distinguished guest.

A convoy of honour, led by Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, was formed to accompany HM the Sultan of Oman during his visit to the kingdom.

HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was accompanied by an official delegation comprising:

Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, HH Shihab bin Tariq.

Minister of Diwan of Royal Court, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi.

Minister of Interior, Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi.

Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi.

Minister of Finance, Sultan bin Salem bin Saeed al-Habsi.

Omani Ambassador to Bahrain, Faisal bin Hareb bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held at Sakhir Palace today a meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and members of the two delegations.

They reviewed solid historical relations and ways of bolstering them as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

HM the King held official talks with HM the Sultan of Oman, in the presence of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

At the outset of the session which was attended by members of the two delegations, His Majesty King Hamad welcomed HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, hailing the visit which embodies the deep-rooted and distinguished Bahraini-Omani relations.

HM the Sultan expressed thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the gracious welcome and hospitality.

The two leaders reviewed deep-rooted fraternal relations and ways of bolstering bilateral cooperation, stressing continuous keenness on further consolidating bilateral ties to achieve mutual interests and aspirations.

HM the King commended the efforts of HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in promoting relations between the two brotherly countries, lauding comprehensive development in Oman and its pioneering role in boosting the GCC and pan-Arab work.

HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik expressed happiness over visiting the Kingdom and meeting HM the King, wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity.

Both leaders witnessed the signing of the following agreements:

A cooperation agreement between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman in the security field to enhance the competence of the security bodies in both countries. It was signed by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi.

A cooperation agreement in the field of maritime transport and seaports between the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the government of the Sultanate of Oman. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime transport and freedom of navigation and to contribute to the development of maritime transport between both countries. It was signed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Mohammed bin Thamer Al Ka’abi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Bader bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

A cooperation agreement between Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) and Sultan Qaboos University to boost cooperation in the field of studies and research, exchange expertise and coordinate in organizing conferences and symposiums. It was signed by Derasat Chairman Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Bader bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

An agreement to establish a Bahraini-Omani Investment Holding Company. It aims to establish a joint holding company between the two countries in the investment field. It was signed by Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sameer bin Abdullah Nass and Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Redha bin Juma’a Al Saleh.

Granting the Sultanate of Oman the right of sovereignty over the information of its subscribers. It aims to develop, improve and sustain the quality of the electronic services and the cloud computing centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the beneficiaries, and to provide the appropriate environment to attract more foreign investments to the region. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdellatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Bader bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Granting the Sultanate of Oman the status of an approved partner for the International Center for Sea and Air Cargo Services. The agreement aims to develop economic and trade relations between the two countries, allowing companies in the Sultanate of Oman to obtain accreditation as an operator of this service with granting them a number of privileges. It was signed by Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Bader bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

HM the King and HM the Sultan hailed the signing of the agreements that will contribute to further develop cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

Then, the following memoranda of understanding were signed by both countries:

A MoU between the Information and eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. It was signed by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

A MoU between the Bahraini government, represented by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs, and the Omani government, represented by the Interior Ministry, to boost cooperation in the municipal field. It was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdellatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

A MoU between Bahrain’s Higher Education Council and Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. It was signed by Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Noaimi.

A MoU between Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion to protect competitiveness and prevent monopoly. It was signed by Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani.

A MoU between the National Space Science Agency and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. It was signed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Mohammed bin Thamer Al Ka’abi.

A MoU between the government of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Omani government, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, to boost cooperation in air navigation. It was signed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Mohammed bin Thamer Al Ka’abi.

A MoU between the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain and the Ministry of Social Development in Oman. It was signed by Social Development Minister Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor.

A MoU between Bahrain National Museum and Oman National Museum. It was signed by Information Minister Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi.

A MoU between the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority. It was signed by Minister of Cabinet Affairs Hamad bin Faisal Al Maliki.

A MoU between the Isa Cultural Centre and Oman’s National Records and Archives Authority to boost cooperation in protecting historical documents. It was signed by Deputy Chairman, Executive Director of the Isa Cultural Centre Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

An executive programme between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in both countries for the years 2023-2024. It was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

An executive programme for the memo on agricultural cooperation. It was signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

An executive programme to activate the memorandum of understanding between the Ministries of Education in both countries on enhancing educational cooperation in the two academic years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. It was signed by Education Minister Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi.

An executive programme for the memo signed by the Ministry of Oil and Environment in Bahrain and the Environment Authority in Oman to boost environmental cooperation. It was signed by Minister of Oil and Environment Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bi Daina.

An executive programme for cooperation in the youth field between Bahrain’s Ministry of Youth and Sport Affairs and Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth, for the years 2023-2025. It was signed by Minister of Youth and Sport Affairs Ayman bin Tawfeeq Al Moayyed.

An executive programme between Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities for the years 2023-2026. It was signed by Minister of Information Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Alnoaimi.

An executive programme on tourism cooperation between the government of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Tourism, and the Omani government, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, for the years 2022-2026. It was signed by Minister of Tourism Fatima bint Jafar Al Sairafi.

An agreement regarding the remote trading of brokerage companies through the electronic trading system (Tabadul Hub) between Bahrain Stock Exchange Company, Bahrain Clear Company, Muscat Stock Exchange Company and Muscat Clearing and Depository Company. It was signed by Bahrain Stock Exchange Chief Executive Shaikh Khalifa bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

HM the King then bestowed upon HM the Sultan Was awarded The Collar of the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa- First Class in appreciation of his efforts to bolster Bahraini-Omani relations and develop joint cooperation.

HM Sultan Haitham conferred on HM the King the Oman Order – First Class in recognition of his pioneering role in strengthening brotherly ties and developing Bahraini-Omani cooperation.

Commemorative gifts were exchanged on this occasion.

HM the King hosted a dinner banquet in honour of HM the Sultan and the accompanying delegation.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Caretaker Prime Minister, Prime Minister-designate, Najib Mikati, on Monday held a series of diplomatic and ministerial meetings at the Grand Serail.

In this context, Caretaker Premier Mikati met with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Grillo.

“We discussed the final touches on the maritime border demarcation file, in addition to the economic and financial conditions and the pressing need to enact the reforms and move forward with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund,” Grillo told reporters following the meeting.

She added that talks also touched on the upcoming constitutional junctures.

In response to a question about consultations between Paris and Riyadh over the election of a new president, the diplomat said: “We are holding dialogue with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over many affairs.”

PM Mikati also met with the EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Ralph Tarraf, who said on emerging: “The meeting was excellent with Prime Minister Mikati, and we discussed political issues in Lebanon and the urgent need to implement what was agreed upon in the framework plan that was signed between Lebanon and the International Monetary Fund last April.”

Miakti later received Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon, Marion Weichelt, with whom he discussed the current general situation.

On the other hand, Mikati met with Caretaker Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin, who said after the meeting that after the meeting that they discussed affairs related to the Ministry and an array of environmental issues.

Mikati also held a meeting with Minister of Energy and Water, Dr. Walid Fayyad, Electricité du Liban Director General Kamal Hayek, and Director General of the Oil Administration Aurore Feghali.

Following the meeting, Minister Fayyad said that they discussed the issue of obtaining fuel in order to increase the electricity supply hours.

Moreover, the PM met a delegation from the Merhi Charity Association, in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Higher Relief Commission, Major General Mohammad Khair.

Discussions touched on the charitable and social activities as well as the lighting projects carried out by the Association in Tripoli and the region in coordination with the official departments and the Higher Relief Commission.

Source: National News Agency

Lebanon’s parliament failed on Monday to elect a president for the fourth time, with just a week left until outgoing President Michel Aoun’s term ends and warnings of a constitutional crisis growing louder.

With parliament more fractured than ever after May’s elections, political blocs have been unable to reach consensus on a candidate to succeed Aoun.

The presidency has fallen vacant several times since the 1975-1990 civil war but a vacuum now would be especially worrisome. The government is already operating in a caretaker capacity and the country is sinking deeper into a three-year-old financial meltdown.

Economic and political turmoil has sunk the currency by more than 90%, spread poverty, paralyzed the financial system and frozen depositors out of their savings in the most destabilizing crisis since the country’s civil war.

Votes in parliament on Monday were split mostly between independent MP Michel Mouawad, scholar Issam Khalife, who was newly nominated, blank ballots and some votes for political slogans.

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri set the next session for Thursday, Oct. 27.

Anticipating another vacuum at the top, politicians have stepped up efforts to agree on a new cabinet led by Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Najib Mikati — who is currently serving in a caretaker capacity — to which presidential powers could pass.

Source: Voice of America

Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati met on Monday at the Grand Serail with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Grillo.

“We discussed the final touches on the maritime border demarcation file, in addition to the economic and financial conditions and the pressing need to enact the reforms and move forward with an agreement with the International Monetary Fund,” Grillo told reporters following the meeting.

She added that talks also touched on the upcoming constitutional junctures.

In response to a question about consultations between Paris and Riyadh over the election of a new president, the diplomat said: “We are holding dialogue with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over many affairs.”

Source: National News Agency