I. Headlines:
· UNDP hosts workshop on national reconciliation.
· His Majesty opens the Royal Air Force HQs.
· Alba production, sales hit new high in H1.
· HRH Prince Khalifa: Services provided for citizens are top priority.
II. Political:
UNDP hosts workshop on national reconciliation.
The United Nations Development Project (UNDP) hosted yesterday a workshop for members of the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) on national reconciliation. In the IAA’s commitment to meeting the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, representatives from Bahrain Television (BTV), Bahrain Radio, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) and Media Relations participated in the workshop at the Diplomat Hotel. The day-long workshop covered topics on conflict resolution and social reunification by examining case studies from many of the world’s conflict zones. Guided in analyzing each example by the UN team, members of the IAA were able to decipher the crisis of each country and learn about successful approaches to reconciliation.
His Majesty opens the Royal Air Force HQs.
The Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, opened yesterday the new headquarters of the Bahrain Royal Air Force at the Shaikh Isa Air-Base. Upon his arrival HM was received by the BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, the head of Bahrain Royal Air-Force and other officers. HM King Hamad was briefed on future plans to develop the Royal Air-Force and expressing keen desire to enhance the aviation system, taking pride in the landmark achievements regarding equipment and readiness.
Bahrain is keen to see security and peace maintained in Afghanistan.
Around 82 states attended Tokyo conference in Afghanistan, as well a number of representatives of regional and international organizations such as the UN, Islamic Cooperation Organization and the World Bank. During the conference, on behalf of Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for GCC and regional affairs Ambassador Hamad Ahmed Al-Amer delivered a speech in which he affirmed on the keen desire of the Kingdom of Bahrain to see security and peace maintain in Afghanistan, as this will have an impact on the security and stability of the GCC countries. He added that Bahrain is working with the international community to provide full support in helping the afghan government in the area of security and training their police force.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Alba production, sales hit new high in H1.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), said that its production figures grew to 1.7 per cent in the first half to hit 443,533 metric tonnes (MT) compared to 436,256 MT during the same period last year. Announcing this on Sunday, Alba chief executive Laurent Schmitt said the company was able to manage its sales figures despite global economic uncertainties with the sales figures topping 446,044 in the first half, a slight increase of 675 MT compared to 445,370 MT in the same period of 2011. Schmitt stated Alba’s success in adopting lean management techniques as well as Six Sigma reinforces the strong fundamentals of the company and has set the tone of delivering enhanced competitiveness in our operations.
Bahrain Airport Company names new CEO.
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) said it has appointed Mohamed Yusuf Al-Binfalah as its new CEO. An aviation industry veteran, Al Binfalah will be taking up his new role from September, according to BAC. He, who is currently serving as the CEO of Olive VFM Holding Company, brings with him a wealth of experience gained over 27 years of working at various managerial and entrepreneurial capacities in the private sector. In addition to his current role, Al-Binfalah is also on the board of directors of ATYAF Telecommunications and Infrastructure International, a Bahraini ICT service provider. BAC statement said also the knowledge of Mr. Al-Binfalah in aviation sector is abundant and it came through his previous work as the general manager of DHL Aviation Service.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism, Environment:
HRH Prince Khalifa: Services provided for citizens are top priority.
HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said yesterday that any delay in implementing projects is categorically unacceptable and does in no way reflect the policy of Bahrain’s government which gives enormous consideration to carrying out any governmental project as scheduled, especially those aimed at improving citizen-oriented services. HRH was speaking as he received yesterday ministers and senior officials. He said citizens’ complaints are of great importance as citizens’ welfare and optimizing services in all fields is a top priority.
V. Other News:
Bahrain Backs King Fahd Causeway Expansion Plans.
Bahrain has backed plans to enhance the capacity of the King Fahd Causeway to accommodate more vehicles and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. HRH Premier’s Court Chief Shaikh Husam bin Isa Al-Khalifa stressed the stance as he received King Fahd Causeway General Authority director-general Badr bin Abdulla Al-Otaishan. He lauded strong historic relations bonding Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, paying tribute to the wise leaders of both countries for their keenness on bolstering bilateral relations.
VI. Photo of the Day:
* Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during a meeting with senior officials on Sunday. 8th June 2012 Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia,
MANAMA
9th July 2012