Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, and members of the committee responding to the Royal Address in both councils. The Speaker, Chairman, and committee members submitted the councils' response to the Royal Address delivered by His Majesty the King at the opening of the fourth session of the sixth legislative term.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Majesty the King expressed appreciation to the Speaker, Chairman, and both council members for their efforts in serving the nation and citizens. His Majesty commended the significant achievements of the legislative authority and its continued support for the Kingdom of Bahrain's development and progress across all domains. His Majesty also expressed appreciation for the coordination between the executive and legislative authorities and their constructive cooperation, which contributes to the prosperity and development of the Kingdom and its people.
His Majesty the King commended the initiatives and proposals included in the councils' response, which aim to strengthen national progress and improve performance. He praised the steadfast national positions of the legislative authority, its commitment to maintaining Bahrain's security, stability, and sovereignty, and its condemnation of the recent Iranian attacks on the Kingdom's territory. His Majesty reassured citizens about the overall situation in the Kingdom and expressed appreciation for the strong national unity shown by citizens across all regions and communities.
On their part, the Speaker and the Chairman condemned the terrorist plot linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and expressed full support for the Ministry of Interior's measures to counter threats to Bahrain's security and stability. They underscored their full backing of these measures and called on all members of Bahraini society to unite behind the leadership of His Majesty.
The Council of Representatives expressed pride in the Royal recognition of the performance of the legislative authority and the outcomes of its work, aligning with national objectives. This forms part of a continuous process of efforts to develop the nation, recalling the broad public support around the National Action Charter and the constitutional values reinforced by His Majesty the King. The Council commended the role of the leadership and its directives in enhancing cooperation and joint efforts between the legislative and executive authorities, resulting in significant national legislative achievements.
These achievements include the issuance of the long-anticipated amendments to the Press and Digital Media Law under Law (41) of 2025. The Council underscored its commitment to modernising legislation and regulations that enhance national security. It also commended the Royal support for citizens seeking suitable employment opportunities.
The Council strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council states, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional and international peace and security. It commended the Bahrain Defence Force and security agencies for their efforts in countering the attacks and foiling hostile plans, and the Ministry of Interior for uncovering a terrorist organisation linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Wilayat Al Faqeeh ideology.
The Council expressed its support for initiatives aimed at consolidating the unified Bahraini identity and protecting the values of national belonging. It commended the forward-looking vision set out in the Royal Address for a scientific and economic future for the Kingdom, calling for an empowering environment for research and development and stimulating innovative initiatives and projects within the Kingdom's strategic direction.
The Council prioritises establishing a modern legislative framework for the knowledge-based economy, supporting competitive economic development, stimulating non-oil productive sectors, attracting digital economy tools, and strengthening the scientific research system. This will be achieved through laws that encourage investment in promising future sectors, such as renewable energy and green industry.
The Council affirmed support for the Royal vision of linking economic growth drivers with social development outcomes, ensuring the engagement of all society segments in sustainable development projects. It expressed support for His Majesty the King's positions on Arab causes and the Kingdom's commitment to the Palestinian cause within the framework of the Arab Peace Initiative principles.
The Council of Representatives pledged to uphold constitutional values to His Majesty the King, expressing its support for the military and security institutions in carrying out their national duties. It affirmed its legislative and oversight priorities will remain focused on serving Bahraini citizens.
The Shura Council submitted its response to His Majesty the King, outlining the next phase. It affirmed that the reforms led by His Majesty the King resulted from ongoing development dynamics, noting positive progress in cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities. The Council commended the role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in strengthening this cooperation.
The Shura Council outlined priorities including enhancing AI applications, supporting investment in renewable energy, and developing national resources for sustainability. It emphasised security and development as inseparable, affirming support for the Bahrain Defence Force and rejecting extremism and hatred.
The Shura Council commended the Royal vision for peace and supported His Majesty the King's stand on the Palestinian cause. It highlighted Bahrain's election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, reflecting international confidence in Bahraini diplomacy.