Latest news with #19thGeneralAssembly
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini MP Highlights Economic Growth and Regional Cooperation at Mediterranean Parliament Meeting
TDT | Manama MP Mohammed Yousif Al-Maarafi emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between legislative and executive authorities to ensure swift and continuous responses to the demands of sustainable economic growth. He noted that the increasing contribution of the non-oil sector to Bahrain's GDP reflects the success of the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030, which is founded on the principles of sustainability, fairness, and competitiveness. Al-Maarafi made these remarks during his participation as a member of Bahrain's parliamentary delegation at the 19th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), held in Rome, Italy, from February 19 to 21. The discussions included a report on "Challenges and Opportunities for Economic Growth in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Regions." He highlighted the geopolitical and economic changes posing challenges to economic growth, particularly the impact of political crises and regional conflicts. He also pointed out environmental challenges such as climate change, natural resource shortages—especially freshwater—and desertification threats, which affect agriculture and food security. Despite these challenges, Al-Maarafi underlined the promising opportunities that could drive economic growth in the region, particularly through digital transformation and innovation in fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and environmental technologies. He stressed that regional integration and cooperation between Mediterranean and Gulf nations present significant opportunities for joint projects, increased intra-regional trade, and infrastructure development, ultimately enhancing global competitiveness. Al-Maarafi also highlighted Bahrain's comprehensive economic vision, launched in 2008 by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as a strategic roadmap for sustainable economic development. He noted that the Kingdom has made significant progress in non-oil sectors such as trade, tourism, transportation, telecommunications, real estate, and finance. He further explained that Bahrain is actively implementing ambitious projects to improve its business environment, including the development of digital infrastructure and financial services, one of the Kingdom's strongest sectors. Additionally, Bahrain continues to invest in renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar and wind energy projects as part of its strategy for sustainable energy solutions. The Bahraini parliamentary delegation to the PAM session was led by Dr. Jihad Abdullah Al-Fadhel, Second Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, and included Shura Council member Lina Habib Qassim, as well as MPs Mohammed Yousif Al-Maarafi and Hanan Mohammed Fardan.
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain seeks full membership in Mediterranean Parliament
Bahrain has officially applied for full membership in the Mediterranean Parliament, moving beyond its current observer status. A delegation led by Second Deputy Chair of the Shura Council, Dr Jehad Al Fadhel, submitted the application during the 19th General Assembly in Rome, held from 19 to 21 February. As part of the request, Dr Al Fadhel delivered a letter from Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, who also chairs the parliamentary group's executive committee, to the President of the Mediterranean Parliament. Dr Al Fadhel emphasised that full membership would enhance Bahrain's participation and influence in regional policymaking. She also highlighted that several Gulf states had already joined as full members.
Daily Tribune
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Takes Proactive Steps in Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals
Member of the Shura Council and parliamentary delegation representative, Mrs. Lina Habib Qassim, highlighted Bahrain's proactive approach in implementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, particularly in infrastructure development. She emphasized that Bahrain prioritizes the execution of these global objectives at both national and regional levels, working within a comprehensive strategy to ensure a well-developed and sustainable living environment for its citizens. Her remarks were made during her participation in the parliamentary delegation at the 19th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), held in Rome, Italy, from February 19 to 21. The assembly discussed a report on 'The Right to Access Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation as a Human Right in Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Regions.' Mrs. Qassim underscored the fundamental necessity of access to clean water and proper sanitation, stating that these are not only human rights but also critical components of the sixth Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation managed in a sustainable manner. She further affirmed that Bahrain boasts a highly developed infrastructure ensuring the availability of safe drinking water for all citizens through extensive desalination projects. Additionally, the Kingdom has made substantial investments in upgrading wastewater management systems, contributing to environmental conservation and public health. Highlighting the significance of international and regional collaboration in this field, Mrs. Qassim noted that such cooperation is crucial, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and environmental challenges. Bahrain strongly advocates for collective efforts among member states of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean to enhance regional initiatives, ensuring the provision of clean water and sanitation for all. She reiterated that access to these essential services is a fundamental right that enhances public health and improves the quality of life across the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions.
