I. Headlines:
· HRH the Premier arrives in Bangkok to take part in the 21st WEF.
· GCC Secretary-General affirms positive indications towards Gulf Union.
· Mr. Khalil: Opposition’s leaders are ready to engage in a serious meaningful Dialogue.
II. Political:
Mr. Khalil: Opposition’s leaders are ready to engage in a serious meaningful Dialogue.
Mr. Abduljalil Khalil, who is one of the prominent leaders of Al-Wefaq Party, has yesterday spoken about the oppositions’ wish to engage in a serious dialogue with the Government, pointing out that such dialogue should be based on correct foundations. Mr. Khalil emphasized that the Oppositions’ stance is still unchanged. He said that the Opposition hope that any dialogue will come in the future would firstly generate democratic transformation and will help in getting the country out from its current crisis and preserves its stability secondly.
GCC Secretary-General affirms positive indications towards Gulf Union.
GCC Secretary-General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani spoke to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), on the sideline of the GCC Future Entrepreneurs’ Forum which is currently being held in Manama. He said that there are positive indications regarding the proposal of King Abdullah bin Saud Al Saud to transfer from the Gulf cooperation phase to the Gulf unity. He added that any decision of this kind would be for the interest of Gulf peoples, pointing out that the GCC Foreign Ministers are interested in the proposal. Dr. Zayani explained that the Gulf Union body, which consists of 18 members represent the six Gulf States, have reached the stage of finalizing the final report that will be discussed during an exceptional Summit meeting to be held in Riyadh.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
HRH the Premier arrives in Bangkok to take part in the 21st WEF.
HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa arrived in Bangkok yesterday to take part in the 21st World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF), which will be hosted by Thailand from May 30 to June 1 in the presence all ASEAN countries’ leaders, senior businessmen and representatives of major organisations and companies from across the world. HRH the Premier was received on arrival at Bangkok private airport by senior Thai officials and Bahraini Ambassador to Thailand Adel Al-Sater. HRH hailed Thailand's efforts to host the key economic forum which will bring together an elite of political leaders and decision-makers as well as prominent international economic figures.
Dr. Abdul Hussain Mirza chairs the second meeting of the Petroleum Development Company.
Minister of Energy Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza chaired yesterday the second meeting of the management body of the Petroleum Development Company in the presence of representatives from the following shareholders: Occidental (US-Inc.) Mubadala (UAE-registered) and the Kingdom of Bahrain's National Oil and Gas Holding Company. The meeting explored matters pertaining to the Action Plan 2012 and allocated budget in addition to accomplished part of the basic plan for the second phase of the environmental study and associated gas production operations. The committee reviewed a report on the company's accomplishments for the year 2011 and the first quarter of this year (2012).
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
HM the King briefed of a-five-year housing plan aimed at meeting demands.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received at Alsafriya Palace Housing Minister Basem bin Yacoub Al-Hamer, who outlined details of the scheme. The blueprint details the services which would feature in the planned housing projects, cities and residential blocs. Al-Hamer also briefed HM King Hamad on the multi-phased strategic plan, recently drawn up by the ministry. The King on his part stressed the importance of providing appropriate housing for citizens- describing citizens’ decent living conditions as a top priority.
Alba volunteers in Malkiya beach clean-up drive.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) presented a tangible demonstration of its social commitment for Bahrain’s coastal environment when volunteers from the Alba Community Service Committee took part in a clean-up drive of facilities at Malkiya beach yesterday and the day before. Volunteers and their families participated in clearing waste, debris and assorted litter from the beach, planting trees, painting of walls and fences, changing bulbs and other electrical work, as well as restoring any equipment that has undergone wear and tear. The company’s initiative was hailed as a strong example of positive social contribution and showed Alba’s positive role on society.
V. Photo of the Day:
*HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa being about the new five-year housing plan briefed by the Minister Housing Basem Al Hamer in presence of Shaikh Sultan bin Hamad. 30th May 2012, Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia
MANAMA,
31st May 2012