The Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet on the discussions and their constructive results in the meetings that took place on Saturday during the visit of Shinzo Abi, the Prime Minister of Japan.
Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al Naser, Secretary General of the Cabinet, issued the detailed minutes of the meeting which discussed the following agenda.
HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was congratulated by the Cabinet as the 2013 recipient of the European Award for the International Personality of the Year, HRH the Premier confirmed that the award reflects appreciation for the Kingdom of Bahrain and expressed that his greatest desire is to continue to work, build and serve the nation and its people under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Cabinet expressed pride in the selection of HRH the Prime Minister by the Association of Arab Economists and Administrators in the European Union. On behalf of all Cabinet members, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, expressed his sincere congratulations to the Prime Minister for this achievement that comes in recognition of his vital role in building a system of distinctive balanced international relations with strategic dimensions that reflect positively on Euro-Arab partnerships. The Cabinet noted that the continuation of such regional and international awards granted to HRH Prime Minister reflects his global status and growing appreciation of his achievements on the national, regional, and international level.
After that the Prime Minister instructed all ministries and government entities to implement the recommendations of the National Assembly to tighten sanctions and protect the society from terrorism, taking all necessary measures in this regard.
The Cabinet also decided to contribute urgent financial aid to the Republic of Sudan from the Kingdom of Bahrain to alleviate the devastating effects of the recent floods that caused extensive damage and losses.
The Cabinet then condemned the terrorist bombings that took place recently in Lebanon resulting in casualties among unarmed innocent civilians, including loss of life and serious injuries. They emphasized that such acts are contrary to the most basic religious and human values and those who are behind them want to sow the seeds of discord and division, expanding the cycle of violence and devastation in Lebanon.
As part of the desire to preserve the marine environment and prevent its degradation due to the practice of overfishing, the Prime Minister instructed the necessary parties to intensify campaigns to eliminate overfishing by coordinating with the General Directorate of Coast Guard and increase controls that prevent the use of unfair fishing practices. He directed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning to submit a study on the possibilities of finding other alternatives to catch shrimp and study the possibility of preventing catching them in ways that negatively affect the environment and deplete the rest of the abundant marine life.
The Cabinet also discussed developing an updated integrated national plan to prevent marine pollution by oil and other harmful substances to determine the procedures and responsibilities; the degree of contamination; the level of risk; the measures to be taken; and the coordination required between specialized entities within and outside the country. After reviewing the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, the Cabinet commissioned the Disasters Committee to study this plan and submit their recommendation in this regard.
The Cabinet discussed a number of procedures that support the tourism sector, specifically hotel services, marketing and tourism promotions, and have decided to refer the memorandum submitted in this regard by the Minister of Culture to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.
The Cabinet has been commissioned to develop a unified vision for billboards to decorate the roads of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the 14th anniversary of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne and celebrations of the National Day. The Cabinet commissioned the Committee for Development and Beautifying Cities in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning to highlight the beauty of Bahrain as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2013.