“For those who prefer terror to reform I say that we are resolve to continue combating terror with more reforms and in line with the law”, he said in a keynote speech during his visit to the Southern Governorate.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier was also present at the ceremony.
Upon the arrival of HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince to the ceremony location at Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, they were welcomed by the Governor of the Southern region Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Deputy governor, Chairman of the Southern Governorate Municipal Council, General Director of the Southern Governorate Municipality and citizens.
After the national anthem, the Governor of the Southern region gave a speech in which he welcomed HM the King and said that the southern province like other provinces of the Kingdom has received the support and attention of the government and for the benefit of its people.
He also underlined the great efforts of His Majesty, to put Bahrain on the map of freedom and moderation, coexistence and human rights, and learn from the wisdom and guidance to overcome dangers.
Then Mr. Mohsen al-Bakri, head of the municipal council of the southern province gave a speech in which he said that the people of Bahrain in all categories has translated the most beautiful images through cooperation and solidarity behind the leadership of HM the King.
He said that Bahrain made a lot of achievements thanks to the reform project to HM and given broad powers to municipal councils and strengthened its supervisory and legislative role, which is in the interest of citizens and residents in Bahrain.
After that, HM the King viewed the documentary presentation about the Southern Governorate which included the main projects and achievements accomplished by the Governorate. Then, a number of poems addressing HM the King were performed, and a group of horsemen presented HM the King with a commemorative gift. The Southern Governorate’s dignitaries expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his visit, praising the outstanding achievements and national gains accomplished during his prosperous era. After that and a number of songs by Bahraini singers were played during the ceremony accompanied with traditional Al Ardah dance.
HM the King then delivered the following speech
In the name of God, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Our loyal people, dear audience,
Our beloved people of Riffa,
God’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you,
We meet with you today to affirm that your honorable stances towards your country and its Arab identity and security is a source of pride for us.
Your stances have proved that Bahrain is for everyone, and that the Kingdom has loyal citizens who appreciate and protect it.
You have been sincere in loving Bahrain, and you have been a true reflection for national history, so as the rest of loyal people from the rest of Bahrain’s cities and villages who have committed to justice and defended their country.
They have been a model for loyalty and dedication in serving Bahrain.
Brothers and sisters,
Our history is full of sacrifices and heroism made by the people of Bahrain who have been the protection shield against designs targeting the Arab nation
You have the right to be proud after deterring dangers targeting our Arabian Gulf. Bahrain is not the only country that is targeted, but our entire Arabian Gulf.
We pray God Almighty to maintain our unity and security and keep us aware of any attempts aiming to harm us.
Brothers and sisters,
The people of Bahrain are the people of good intentions, they do not underestimate nations nor do they accept assaulting any citizen or resident.
Whoever prefers terrorism over reform, we say that we are resolve to continue fighting terrorism with reform and law.
Terrorism has neither religion nor sect and it is rejected by all nations.
We will defend our country with all sour strength.
Everyone should reject violence by word and act; we have the solid will to preserve national unity against those who call for terrorism and foreign interference in our affairs.
Our guide is religion that calls for brotherhood and rejects hostility.
We are determined to carry on our national project accredited by the people of Bahrain with all their sects.
The freedom of expression will always be guaranteed in accordance with the law and Bahraini values.
Thank you our loyal people for your patriotic stances and thanks to all who contributed in organizing this national event.
God’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you.