I. Headlines:
· HM King Hamad invited to Arab Economic Summit.
· Ministerial Committee for Services and Infrastructure convenes.
· State Minister receives Tata Communications Regional Director.
· Shaikha Mai reviews progress of the Manama Old Souq Facelift Project.
II. Political, Law, Government, GCC-Arab Affairs:
Ministerial Committee for Services and Infrastructure convenes.
The Ministerial Committee for Services and Infrastructure convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. It reviewed a number of GCC-funded projects which are going to be put to tender in preparation for their implementation during the first quarter of this year. Shaikh Khalid stressed that the government has finalized procedures to put the projects to tender including infrastructure, housing, educational services and health ones. The meeting also focused on the “real estate mortgage” project, which is considered one of the solutions to provide housing services and funding solutions for citizens.
III. Economic, Trade, Business, Technology, Tourism:
HM King Hamad invited to Arab Economic Summit.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received a letter from King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, King of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enclosing an invitation to attend the 3rd Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. It is scheduled to be held this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. HM King Hamad received at Al-Safriya Palace Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdulmohsen bin Fahd Al-Marek who delivered the letter.
State Minister receives Tata Communications Regional Director.
The Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa received the regional director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) of Tata Communications Radwan Mousali yesterday. They discussed ways of benefiting from the expertise of the leading global provider of a new world of communications. The meeting was attended by Bahrain Internet Exchange Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Althawadi. Tata Communications launched the TGN – Gulf subsea cable system last March linking Bahrain Internet Exchange and the emerging markets in the Gulf region with Mumbai City and the TGN Tata World Network. The minister affirmed Bahrain's policy of openness on leading world companies to boost investments and promote trade and tourism activities.
Shaikha Mai reviews progress of the Manama Old Souq Facelift Project.
The Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa held a press conference at the Bahrain National Museum yesterday. She revealed about the Manama Old Souq Facelift project that will help to revive the heritage sites there. She announced that the old post office building at Bab Al Bahrain will be transformed into a stamps museum. She added that two offices for the Arab and International Tourism Organisations will be opened to further promote tourism in Bahrain. Besides, an information center will be inaugurated to inform the public about cultural and recreational activities.
IV. Social, Culture, Education, Environment:
Public Security Chief patronizes Graduation Ceremony.
The Public Security Chief Major-General Taraq Hassan Al-Hassan patronized the graduation of participants in the 6th diving course, 9th specialized maritime science course and the 5th maritime security course. A batch of 68 participants from the Ministry of Interior, the BDF and National Guard took part in the training courses. Royal Navy Commander Brigadier-General Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa attended the graduation ceremony at the Coastguard Command headquarters. Major-General Taraq Hassan Al-Hassan presented the graduates with certificates, in the presence if senior officials, hailed efforts to enhance the coastguard personnel’s professionalism.
V. Photo of the Day:
* “Massakin” housing project of the Northern Governorate was launched yesterday under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). 9TH January 2013 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA,
10TH January 2013