His Royal Highness
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting, held at Gudaibiya Palace.

 

The Cabinet stressed the importance of the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to Bahrain’s Defence Force to review defence preparedness, as well as the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, to key security and civil institutions to review preparedness measures. 

 

The Cabinet commended His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s address marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, highlighting Bahrain’s election to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2026 – 2027 term marking its second time in history.  This achievement reflects international recognition of Bahrain’s diplomatic stature and its commitment, under His Majesty’s leadership, to advancing peace and multilateral cooperation, in line with the principles and foundations upon which the United Nations was established.

 

The Cabinet extended its congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the occasion of the upcoming Hijri New Year, 1447 AH, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain and Arab and Islamic nations continued progress and prosperity.

 

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of His Royal Highness’s official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, during which he met with the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.  The visit witnessed the signing of the Defence Cooperation Accord and the second Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2).  In this regard, the Cabinet highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between the two Kingdoms and welcomed the UK’s full participation in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), following Bahrain and the United States’ joint invitation. This follows a report submitted by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, which was reviewed by the Cabinet. 

 

The Cabinet also welcomed the positive outcomes of the meeting between His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.  The Cabinet commended His Highness’s participation and address at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, and extended its appreciation to the Russian Federation for naming Bahrain as the official guest of honour.  The Cabinet noted that Bahrain’s participation in the forum and accompanying exhibition reflects the growing cooperation and strategic partnership between Bahrain and Russia across various sectors.  This followed a report submitted by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, which was reviewed by the Cabinet. 

 

The Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Bahrain Council for Health Studies and Specialities, chaired by Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), on receiving institutional accreditation from the Arab Board of Health Specialisations.  The Cabinet extended its best wishes for the Council’s continued success and advancement.

 

The Cabinet reviewed a brief submitted by His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, on national preparedness measures and intergovernmental coordination for responding to civil emergencies in light of regional developments.

 

The Cabinet commended the proactive role of the Ministry of Interior and relevant security and civil agencies in preserving public safety and stability.

 

The Cabinet followed up on the directives issued by His Majesty the King and orders from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister regarding the repatriation of Bahraini citizens stranded in countries impacted by current international developments.

 

In this regard, the Cabinet emphasised the resilience and unity of Bahraini citizens, expressing pride in their sense of awareness and responsibility, which remains a driving force behind the Kingdom’s continued progress under all conditions.

 

The Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom remains vigilant in monitoring regional developments, and reiterated the urgent need to mobilise all regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and military operations.  The Cabinet also called for the continuation of the US-Iran nuclear negotiations through diplomatic channels that support regional peace and security.

 

The Cabinet reviewed the preparations by the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities to ensure the smooth organisation of events during Ashura, highlighting the importance of meeting the needs of local communities during this period.

 

On the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the Cabinet lauded the significant contributions of Bahraini women in the diplomatic field and their key role in advancing the Kingdom’s diplomatic initiatives.

 

In observance of World Drug Day, the Cabinet commended the Ministry of Interior and all concerned security entities for their ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug use and to safeguard the well-being of the community.

 

The Cabinet then reviewed and approved the following memorandums:

1.  A memorandum submitted by the Civil Service Council regarding the restructuring of several government agencies to enhance efficiency and performance.

2.  A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs and Fiscal Balance concerning the 2024 annual report and audited financial statements of the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

3.  A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on implementing housing and urban development cooperation between Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

4.  A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture regarding the acquisition of real estate for public use, to secure space for urban development projects.

5.  A memorandum submitted by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs outlining the government’s responses to seven proposals and a draft law from the Council of Representatives, as well as one draft law submitted by the Shura Council.

 

The Cabinet also took note of the following ministerial reports:

1.  Outcomes of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s participation in the 48th Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

2.  Outcomes of the official visit by the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications to the French Republic.

3.  Outcomes of the Kingdom’s participation in the G20 Health Summit.