Sakhir: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa chaired an extraordinary session of the Cabinet at Sakhir Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HM King began by congratulating the people of Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the new Hijri year 1447, expressing hopes for security, prosperity, and progress for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens. His Majesty highlighted the importance of the recent meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, particularly the newly signed Defence Cooperation Accord and Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2).
The session also acknowledged Bahrain's invitation for the UK's accession to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), underscoring the historical ties between Bahrain and the UK. His Majesty commended the government's efforts, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in managing civil emergencies and maintaining national security, recognizing the contributions of the Bahrain Defence Force, the Ministry of Interior, and other agencies.
HM the King expressed pride in Bahraini unity and society's engagement, praising citizens' awareness and national spirit. He acknowledged the meeting between His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting Bahrain's role as the guest of honour at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
His Majesty celebrated the Bahrain national volleyball team's victory in the Asian Nations Cup, recognizing the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Volleyball Association. He extended congratulations to all involved in the team's success.
In a show of solidarity, HM King Hamad reaffirmed support for Qatar amid regional tensions, condemning an attack on Qatar's sovereignty by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. He praised the GCC Ministerial Council's statement from a recent meeting in Doha and welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel.
Looking forward, His Majesty welcomed the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Bahrain and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure comprehensive preparations. His Majesty expressed pride in Bahrain's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.
His Majesty also emphasized preparations for the Ashoora observance, highlighting Bahrain's tradition of openness and unity. In response, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed gratitude for His Majesty's recognition of national efforts and affirmed the government's commitment to implementing directives for the GCC Supreme Council meeting and the successful observance of Ashoora.