His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander attended.
He thanked the families for their presence and allegiance, stressing the importance of remaining a closely-knit family. “Your presence is a source of delight and a boost to achieve the goals for Bahrain to develop and prosper”, he said. He pledged to continue the march of construction and development in all fields.
He paid tribute to the Government chaired by HRH the Premier for its record of landmark achievements. He also paid tribute to citizens for their efforts and dedication to work and success stories, earning Bahrain advanced ranks among developed nations.
He also expressed his confidence that Bahrain would overcome pressures, as it always in the past braving all challenges.
Citing the preambles of the Constitution, HM the King said that society and the state are based on fraternity and tolerance. “Those who flout these values and principles do not represent us nor do they represent their country,” he said.
HM King Hamad reiterated his keenness to ensure further development and progress for Bahrain. “I do not want to throw Bahrain in the unknown. I want Bahrain to always be secure and at the forefront of progress and development”, he said. “I do not want to lead Bahrain without taking into account my surrounding. That’s why we pursue the path confidently, thanks to our consultation and solidarity,” he said.
HM the King said that he does not accuse anyone, urging all parties to put national interests above all other considerations.
HM the Kind described Bahrain as the country of law and institutions, hence the establishment of the parliament. “When I say that Bahrain is the country of laws we mean that these institutions are the decision-makers’ people’s representative make laws and then ratify them,” he said.
HM the King said that even since the national assembly was established no draft law approved by people’s representative was rejected.
Representatives of the families then presented HM King Hamad with a pledge of allegiance and a gift.