His Royal Highness
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa chaired an extraordinary session of the Cabinet at Sakhir Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

At the outset, His Majesty congratulated the people of Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the new Hijri year 1447. HM King expressed his hope that the year would bring security and prosperity to the Arab and Islamic worlds, and continued progress and wellbeing to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its citizens.

HM King Hamad welcomed the outcomes of the recent meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. His Majesty highlighted the significance of the newly signed Defence Cooperation Accord and the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) with the United Kingdom. HM the King underscored the longstanding historical ties between Bahrain and the UK and welcomed its accession to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), following an invitation of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.

HM the King commended the efforts of the government, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for ensuring the readiness of government agencies in the management of civil emergencies. His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), the Ministry of Interior, and all security and civil agencies for their dedication and ongoing efforts in maintaining the nation’s security and stability.

His Majesty also praised the awareness and engagement of Bahraini citizens and expressed pride in the unity and cohesion of Bahraini society, highlighting the public’s national spirit and commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s achievements amid current regional circumstances.

Furthermore, HM King Hamad welcomed the outcomes of the meeting between His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and His Excellency President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, as well as Bahrain’s distinguished participation in the main session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) and its accompanying exhibition. His Majesty expressed appreciation to Russia for inviting Bahrain as the official guest of honour, and emphasising the developmental and strategic partnership between the two nations.

His Majesty expressed delight and pride at the Bahrain national volleyball team’s historic victory in the fifth edition of the Asian Nations Cup, praising the significant efforts of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, in ensuring optimal conditions for this achievement. He extended his congratulations to the President and members of the Bahrain Volleyball Association, the players, coaching and administrative staff, and the Bahraini fans.

HM the King reiterated Bahrain’s full solidarity with the State of Qatar, emphasising the bonds of brotherhood and shared destiny, and the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during these critical times. His Majesty strongly condemned the recent attack on Qatar’s sovereignty by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, describing it as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and its airspace, international law and the United Nations Charter. His Majesty also praised the statement issued at the extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council meeting held in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

HM King Hamad welcomed the announcement by His Excellency President Donald Trump of the US, regarding a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. His Majesty reaffirmed Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to peace and diplomacy as the foundation for regional stability and prosperity. Moreover, His Majesty reiterated Bahrain’s unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people to live in peace, freedom, and dignity, and its backing for efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the acceleration of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

Looking ahead, His Majesty welcomed Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, scheduled to be held next December in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Majesty expressed his hope that the summit would further strengthen Gulf cooperation, particularly given the current regional developments and challenges. His Majesty directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive preparations for the summit, reflecting Bahrain’s constructive role in promoting Gulf unity and expediting projects that benefit GCC citizens.

His Majesty expressed pride in Bahrain’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, considering it a testament to the international community’s confidence in Bahrain’s balanced policies and its constructive role in promoting global peace and security.

HM the King instructed the relevant authorities to ensure all necessary arrangements for the successful observance of Ashoora. In this context, His Majesty noted Bahrain’s longstanding tradition of openness, tolerance, unity, and its reputation as a beacon of stability, harmony, and progress.

In response, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty for his recognition of national efforts, noting that such appreciation is a source of pride and motivation for all those serving the nation to continue their dedicated service to implement His Majesty’s vision. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing His Majesty’s directives for the upcoming GCC Supreme Council meeting and for ensuring the success of the Ashoora season.