I. Headlines:
· Bahrain’s Justice is to pay $2.6m as compensation.
· HRH Prime Minister underlines the strategic pivotal role of GCC Media.
· Alba names new Sabic board member.
· Fitch rates IDB’s $800m Sukuk issuance at “AAA”.
· Safi Air makes debut landing in Bahrain.
II. Political:
Bahrain’s Justice is to pay $2.6m as compensation.
Courts and Notary Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Judge Khalid Hasan Ajaji announced yesterday that the expenditure of the compensation to the families of 17 deceased persons has begun in keeping with the implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). The compensation totaling $2.6 million for the current 17 cases was assessed on the basis of civil court precedents and averages out to just under $153,000 per case.
HRH Prime Minister underlines the strategic pivotal role of GCC Media.
HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received yesterday the Kuwaiti Journalist Mofraj Salim Al Dosary yesterday. HRH underscored the strategic role played by the media sector in the countries of the GCC region in supporting the GCC and to achieve its progressive democratic march. Also during the meeting, HRH also hailed the essential role played by columnists in uncovering the threats and challenges facing the region and creating an enlightened and highly-aware public opinion.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Alba names new Sabic board member.
Dr. Talaat Dafer Abdulla Aldafer Alqahtani Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Planning (Saudi Arabia and Mena region) at Sabic Industrial Investments Company (Sabic), and is also a consultant to Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce & Industry, has been appointed as a member in Alba’s board of directors yesterday. Dr Alqahtani's appointment comes following the resignation of Homood Abdulla Al Tuwaijri (who represented Sabic) from the board, said a statement from Alba. Alba’s Board Chairman, Mahmood Al-Kooheji welcomed the decision of the appointment and said that Al Qahtani has a considerable experience and exposure to regional business dynamics, and Alba is confident that it will benefit richly from his contribution.
Safi Air makes debut landing in Bahrain.
Bahrain Airport Company yesterday has welcomed the arrival of the inaugural flight from Safi Airways, Afghanistan’s international airline, linking Kabul and Manama through a direct flight. Flight 4Q241/2 flew from Kabul and touched down in Bahrain at 20:50, its 4th international destination, and the latest addition to its growing network. The first commercial flight between Afghanistan and Bahrain, using an Airbus A320 with a two-class configuration, is expected to increase commercial ties between the two countries.
Energy officials meet to draw up action plan.
At a workshop organised by the GCC Interconnection Authority, GCC energy trade liaison officers recently met in Bahrain to exchange experiences discuss roles, propose recommendations to promote energy trade and develop an action plan for the next phase. They also discussed activating and facilitating procedures of energy trade between the GCC countries and discussed ways to overcome obstacles that they may have to face.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
RUW to offer scholarships to orphans.
Bahrain-based Royal University for Women (RUW) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Charity Organization. The MoU was signed by Dr. Mustafa Al Sayyed, the RCO Secretary General of the Royal Charity Organization and Essa Najibi, the Chairman of the Executive Committee at the Royal University for Women and with the presence of Dr. Mazin Jumah, President of the university. The agreement included the sponsorship of three orphans in any of the university faculties.
RUC stated that this initiative comes as part of the university’s keenness on the importance of community engagement and humanitarian work.
V. Photo of the Day:
*HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomed, at Al Sakhir Air Base, the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman who arrived to Bahrain yesterday. President Suliman is on a regional tour and was invited by HM.26th June 2012 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA
27th June 2012