Somali President meets Tanzanian counterpart


Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia met Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, during his visit to Tanzania yesterday.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries in the fields of politics, security, economy, social affairs, and regional affairs, the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Strong tornado kills 5, injures 33 in China’s Guangzhou


Five people were killed and 33 others injured by a strong tornado that hit Guangzhou, the capital city of south China’s Guangdong Province.

The tornado hit Zhongluotan Town in the city’s Baiyun District at approximately 3 p.m., while the weather station in Liangtian Village, roughly 2.8 kilometers from the tornado’s point of occurrence, registered a maximum wind gust of 20.6 meters per second, Xinhua News Agency reported.

A preliminary investigation by the provincial meteorological bureau has determined that the tornado had a level-three intensity ( two levels down from the highest intensity level of five) and that it moved an approximate distance of one kilometer.

Rescuers from the city’s emergency management, weather, fire, waterworks and health departments as well as local residents have been sent to the site immediately.

As of 10 p.m., the on-site search and rescue work has been basically completed. The injured have been sent to hospital.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister receives the Chairman and Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute


His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received the Chairman and Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute, General (Ret.) John Abizaid, at Riffa Palace.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad affirmed the longstanding US-Bahrain relationship and the multisectoral collaboration across various levels.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the importance of furthering the bilateral partnership to meet joint aspirations.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad highlighted the role of research institutes and their wide-ranging contributions, including in furthering relations between countries.

Issues of common interest and regional and global developments were also discussed. In this regard, His Royal Highness stressed the US’s vital role, alongside allied countries, in safeguarding regional security.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad further emphasised the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment, in cooperation with the US and allied countries, to support efforts that
consolidate security and peace.

General (Ret.) Abizaid expressed his gratitude for His Royal Highness’s commitment to furthering Bahrain-US relations, noting HRH’s ongoing support of the studies and research by research institutes and centres.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Najran’s Mud House Doors: A gateway to history and beauty


Najran’s mud houses have a captivating charm, accentuated by the beauty of their doors that act as a portal into the region’s rich heritage of folk architecture.

The art of decorating wooden doors has become synonymous with Najran itself. As the first impression for any visitor, homeowners take great pride in adorning their doors with intricate patterns and designs.

Doors are typically constructed from two or three panels of Sidr or Athel wood. The choice of wood, along with the complexity of the geometric designs and overall size, reflects the owner’s social standing.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the location of a door in the house further dictated its design. Yard and main entrance doors differ from room doors, yet all share a common thread – a captivating beauty and robust construction, some standing strong for centuries.

Sadly, the ancient craft of door carpentry is slowly fading away. In the past, skilled artisans honed their craft, innovating specific styles for different regions.

The
se doors act as silent guardians, whispering tales of Najran’s rich past and the artistic spirit that continues to inspire.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister meets Foreign Affairs Minister


Najib Mikati, the caretaker Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, met with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is on a visit to Lebanon as part of an Arab tour.

Mikati requested Dr. Al Zayani to relay his greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, and wished Bahrain further success and prosperity.

He praised the strong historical relations between Lebanon and Bahrain, emphasising the government of Lebanon’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

Mikati expressed confidence in the success of the 33rd Arab Summit hosted by Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty the King.

Dr. Al Zayani conveyed the greetings of His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to HH the Amir, and wishes for Lebanon and its people of further success and prosperity.

Dr. Al Zayani praised the development and growth o
f bilateral cooperation between the two countries across various domains.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

SCIA President receives Al-Azhar Undersecretary


Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) President, received here today Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Dawiny, Al-Azhar Undersecretary and professor of Comparative Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University.

The SCIA President expressed his great appreciation for the prominent role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, as it is a leader in moderation, coexistence and science.

He commended the dedicated efforts exerted by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, to serve the Islamic religion and its principles, values and fundamentals.

Dr. Mohammed Dawiny conveyed to the SCIA President greetings from the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in addition to his commendation of the efforts being made by the kingdom and the SCIA to serve Islam and Muslims, advocate lofty values and principles, as well as just causes.

The two sides discussed areas of cooperation between the SCIA and the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, expressing pride in the growing relations between both sides.

T
hey also reviewed issues of common interest.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

SLRB reports 23% growth in real estate trade in 2023


The Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) reported a 23% increase in the volume of real estate trading for the first quarter of 2024.

According to recent statistics, the real estate sector has seen an increase in the demand for property purchases, such as apartments in residential towers, houses, lands and buildings across the four governorates, mainly the Capital Governorate.

During the first quarter of 2024, 2,530 sales transactions took place at a value of of BD 393,183,257. In 2023, 2,242 sales transactions took place at a value of BD320,060,693.

During the first quarter of 2023, the value of real estate trading for citizens of Bahrain was BD 287,576,049, while in 2024 it amounted to BD 355,794,712.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens’ trading in 2023 was BD15,427,274, while in 2024 it has reached BD 15,055,907.

Foreigners’ trading in 2023 was BD17,057,371, while in 2024 it reached BD 22,332,638.

Basem bin Yaqoub Al Hamer, President of the SLRB, said the figures of the first quarter 202
4 indicated the vitality of the real estate sector and its capabilities in contributing to supporting other key development sectors.

Al Hamer noted the SLRB’s commitment to continuing to advance its work mechanisms to adapt to changes and contribute to the growth of the real estate sector in Bahrain and boosting its competitiveness and fostering a conducive and sustainable investment environment.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Syrian President meets Foreign Minister


His Excellency Bashar Al Assad, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, met with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Faisal Mekdad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, attended the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is on a visit to Syria as part of an Arab tour.

The Syrian President requested Dr. Al Zayani to relay his greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, and wished Bahrain further success and prosperity.

The Syrian President commended Bahrain’s efforts in preparing to host the 33rd Arab Summit, to be presided over by His Majesty the King.

Al Assad expressed confidence that the summit would successfully achieve the goals and aspirations of Arab leaders to consolidate Arab solidarity, strengthen cooperation and integration, and protect Arab national security, amidst the difficult circumstances facing the Arab wo
rld.

For his part, Dr. Al Zayani expressed his pleasure to visit the Syrian Arab Republic and meet with HE the Syrian President.

Dr. Al Zayani conveyed the greetings of His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to HE the Syrian President and wishes for Syria and its people of further success and prosperity.

The Syrian president praised the development and progress of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Shura Council Chairman meets Egyptian counterpart


Joint parliamentary talks were held between Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, the Shura Council Chairman, and Dr. Hanafi Ali El Gebali, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the sidelines of his participation in the Sixth Conference of the Arab Parliament.

Al Saleh affirmed that the robust historical relations between Bahrain and Egypt continue to witness further development, stronger cooperation and shared vision towards Arab affairs, which reflects the aspirations of the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of Egypt.

He highlighted the continuous growth in their trade, educational, cultural and investment partnerships, as well as the firm cooperation between the two countries, which has been supported and followed up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian Prime Minister.

Al Saleh noted the efforts made by Egypt in sup
porting Arab causes. He praised Egypt for hosting many important Arab conferences and events that discuss various topics, especially the Palestinian cause, which he described as the central Arab cause.

Al Saleh commended Egypt’s honorable position in supporting the Palestinian people and affirming their legitimate rights, as well as rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands.

He praised the ongoing parliamentary cooperation between the legislative authorities in Bahrain and Egypt. Al Saleh highlighted the pivotal role played by members of the legislative councils in both countries to advance development and prosperity. He affirmed the need to expand the scope of consultation and exchange of parliamentary expertise and experiences between Bahrain and Egypt.

For his part, Dr. Hanafi Ali El Gebali, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt, expressed pride in the long-standing relations between Egypt and Bahrain, as well as the deep ties between the peoples of
the two countries.

He pointed out that the bilateral visits between the leaders of Egypt and Bahrain demonstrate the strength of the distinguished relations between the two countries.

El Gebali stressed the importance of supporting the course of economic relations and continuing to advance the field of trade and industrial exchange between Bahrain and Egypt.

He affirmed full support for Bahrain in hosting the 33rd Arab Summit on May 16, praising Bahrain’s effective initiatives to enhance Arab countries’ cohesion and unity.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Transportation Minister receives Malaysian ambassador


Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, received Shazryll Zahiran, the Malaysian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The minister highlighted the strong friendship and cooperation between Bahrain and Malaysia, particularly in the transport and communications sector.

He noted the interest in enhancing and expanding these relations for the mutual benefit of both countries and their people.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

MoFA Undersecretary meets Middle East Institute Chairman


Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, received with General (ret.) John Abizaid, the Chairman and Board of Governors of the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed the commitment of Bahrain to strengthening the historical and strategic partnership with the United States.

He emphasised the importance of enhancing these ties in light of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement to achieve common interests.

Furthermore, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed congratulated the Middle East Institute on its 75th anniversary in Washington.

The two sides reviewed developments in the Middle East and discussed cooperation and exchange of expertise. They also underscored the importance of advancing the role of cultural and intellectual diplomacy in consolidating regional and international security, peace, and prosperity, combating extremism and terrorism, and promoting constructive dialogue to
resolve conflicts and find peaceful, comprehensive solutions to international crises and tensions. The two sides highlighted the resolution of the Palestinian cause as a key priority.

For his part, Abizaid lauded the close historical relations between Bahrain and the United States, highlighting the progress and prosperity they have witnessed in various fields.

He noted the efforts of Bahrain as an active and key partner in enhancing security, stability, and peaceful coexistence in the region and globally.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Congratulates South Africa’s President on Freedom Day


Jeddah: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on his country’s Freedom Day.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished Ramaphosa continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of South Africa steady progress and prosperity.

Source: Saudi Press Agency