Members of the delegation of French Senators, currently on a visit to the Kingdom, have asserted that stability of Bahrain is the key to that of the Gulf region, condemning all kinds of interference into its domestic affairs.
During a meeting with journalists at the Sofitel Hotel, the delegation, led by the Chairman of the Financial Committee at the French Senate Senator Philip Marini, expressed France’s support for the National Consensus Dialogue in Bahrain, calling upon all parties to cooperate positively in order to ensure its success.
Senator Marini lauded His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s initiative to establish an Arab Human Rights Tribunal, to be headquartered in Bahrain, commending the kingdom’s efforts in this regard.
He affirmed the solidity of the Bahraini-French relations in all fields, praising the joint cooperation efforts especially in the diplomatic, cultural, media and health fields, noting that he enjoys strong friendship relations with the Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and the Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.
He also expressed his country’s desire to bolster its parliamentary ties with Bahrain and enhance bilateral economic relations.
Senator Jean Bizet hailed the numerous achievements attained by Bahrain since his first in 1979, highlighting, in particular, the major developments witnessed by the health, education and housing sectors.
He pointed out that although the kingdom of Bahrain is small in size, it is advanced in terms of reforms and represents a good model for other countries in this regard.
Senator Bizet lauded the statements of the UK Ambassador regarding the internal and external affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, asserting that the British diplomat’s views reflect those many sides in France and the West.
He also praised the on-going National Consensus Dialogue and its importance in consolidating democracy in the kingdom of Bahrain, noting that the democratic process in France began in 1789.
He asserted that every development should emanate from institutions.
Concerning Senator Leila Aïchi, she said that the delegation wanted to get a clear image about what is going on in Bahrain, expressing hope that the National Consensus Dialogue will yield fruitful results and that things will develop positively in the future.
Senator Christiane Kammermann affirmed the importance of continuing the National Dialogue in Bahrain, calling upon all parties to “join hands in order to ensure its success,” wishing Bahrain further stability and peace.
She also praised the major achievements of the Bahraini women regarding equality with males in terms of duties and rights, hailing the social solidarity in the Bahrain and the high level of health care in the kingdom.