The role of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa in advocating peace won international praise.

The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) conferred a shield on HRH the Premier in recognition of his landmark contribution to promoting the traditions of peace, tolerance and diversity.

The shield was presented to Shaikh Hosam bin Isa Al-Khalifa, on behalf of HRH the Premier, during an annual FOWPAL ceremony held today in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly meetings.

The ceremony was attended by ministers, diplomats, Her Imperial Royal Highness Herta Margarete Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Tuscany, President of the Austrian Association for the Furtherance of Peace, her husband, HIRH Sandor Archduke of Austria, Prince of Tuscany, Vice President of the Austrian Association for the Furtherance of Peace. Journalists, representatives of UN agencies and NGOs were also present.

 

Two films shedding light on the visit of a FOWPAL delegation to Bahrain as well as the Kingdom’s economic, urban and social strides were shown during the ceremony.

A booklet was distributed, featuring quotes of HRH the Premier, stressing the importance of peace in the world and the crucial role of the international community in bolstering comprehensive peace, the cornerstone of development and progress.

HRH the Premier’s keynote message marking International Day of Peace was also distributed to press reporters at the United Nations.

The ceremony featured folklore dances, highlighting the importance of peace and amity in achieving world stability and peoples’ aspirations.

Addressing the ceremony, FOWPAL President Dr. Hong Tao-Tze paid tribute to HRH the Premier, hailing his dedicated efforts to support peace and co-existence in the region and the world as well as his farsighted vision which contributed to Bahrain’s development and progress.

“FOWPAL shares with the Kingdom of Bahrain the lofty values of peace, respect, pluralism and human welfare for all people”, he said.

He hailed the Premier’s wisdom, leadership and statesmanship, which enabled the people of Bahrain to live in peace, serenity, happiness and prosperity.

He stressed the importance of the cultural environment which contributed to establishing a quality educational system that contributed to Bahrain’s economic prosperity.

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze recalled his visit to Bahrain, stressing the Kingdom’s keenness on conserving its heritage as well as remarkable achievements and success in promoting balanced development.

Shaikh Hosam bin Isa Al-Khalifa conveyed greetings from HRH the Premier to the participants who attended the ceremony, which followed the FOWPAL delegation’s visit to Bahrain, led by Dr. Tao-Tze.

He stressed his years-long work with HRH the Premier, hailing his masterly government leadership, farsighted vision and philosophy which consider citizens as the top priority.

“I am still learning more life lessons from HRH the Premier’s wisdom and farsighted vision”, said Shaikh Hosam, paying tribute to HRH the Premier for continuing his statesman role, leading the government and assuming duties.

He highlighted key principles enshrined in the constitution of Bahrain, citing equality between cultures, religions and sects, citizenship rights and respect of human dignity for all citizens, beyond any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, language, religion or faith.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain stands out as a symbol of interfaith cohesion”, he said, adding that followers of faiths co-exist in Bahrain and exercise their rituals in total freedom.

“The people of Bahrain are marked by diverse nationalities which enjoy freedom, despite diversity, and share the spirit of belonging and cherish shared hopes, thus making Bahrain a model to emulate in the world.

He stressed Bahrain’s policy of funding all official religious institutions on the same foot of equality which consolidated religious rituals.

“Some communities which prefer privacy are allowed to establish their worshipping venues and display their religious symbols without any interference from the government.

Addressing the ceremony, Shaikh Hosam highlighted Bahrain’s social and economic sustainable development strides, which consolidated citizens’ welfare, enhanced the standard of healthcare and educational services.

The Kingdom of Bahrain, he said, ranks among a few countries which succeeded in achieving and even exceeding the Millennium Development Goals, thus paving the way to meeting the sustainable development objectives.

He commended HRH the Premier for his decades-long efforts, which transformed Bahrain into a modern state, with a vibrant economy and a sustainable future.

Shaikh Hosam thanked the attendees for taking part in the ceremony, inviting them all to visit Bahrain and get a taste of its culture and hospitality.

Source: Fana News