Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His Majesty extended his congratulations to the people of Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the new Hijri year 1446, praying to Allah Almighty for a year of security and prosperity for the Arab and Islamic nations, and for continued progress and development for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people. His Majesty the King congratulated His Excellency Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian on winning the Iranian presidential elections. His Majesty emphasised the interest of the Kingdom of Bahrain in establishing normal relations based on cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. His Majesty also congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, wishing him success in leading his country towards further progress and prosperity. His Majesty prais ed the unwavering efforts of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in advancing national action and achievements across various fields through constant oversight of government and developmental activities. His Majesty acknowledged the ongoing efforts of all members of Team Bahrain, whose contributions from their respective positions have led to the Kingdom's achievements at multiple levels. His Majesty emphasised that Bahraini citizens are key partners in driving the Kingdom's development across various sectors. In this regard, HM the King highlighted the importance of investing in Bahraini citizens and closely monitoring the implementation of major development projects to ensure their positive impact on citizens' well-being and to create promising opportunities. On the occasion of the commemoration of Ashoora, His Majesty instructed the relevant authorities to ensure all necessary preparations and support for the successful observance of Ashoora. His Majesty underscored Bahrain's culture of openness and tolerance, qualities that have long defined the Bahraini society and rendered the Kingdom an oasis of fraternity, peace, development, and achievement. Furthermore, His Majesty directed the formulation of an action plan to preserve Bahrain's historical and cultural identity, the completion of the Muharraq City Development Plan, and launching a comprehensive plan for the redevelopment of the historic Manama Souq area while preserving its character, and addressing the infrastructure needs of historic areas. His Majesty emphasised the importance of implementing plans and projects to enhance food security, support national products, preserve wildlife, and develop Bahrain's fisheries wealth. His Majesty the King commended the efforts of the national committee responsible for coordinating and following up on the implementation of Bahrain's initiatives submitted to the 33rd Arab Summit, aimed at further strengthening joint Arab action. HM the King reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to building bridges of cooperation with all countries to contribute to peace, security, and stability in the region. His Majesty highlighted the development and progress achieved by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting the advanced level of services and living standards have attained on a global scale. His Majesty the King asserted that Bahrain is for all Bahrainis, and their unity and cohesion as one family is a source of strength and pride for the nation. His Majesty said that true citizenship in Bahrain is a driving force for the nation's advancement and prosperity, rooted in authentic Bahraini values, customs, and shared principles that strengthen national identity and preserve the social fabric of coexistence, harmony, and human tolerance. His Majesty emphasised the significance of upholding Bahrain's values and traditions, deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Arab and Islamic values. His Majesty added that the prestigious status of the Arab nation, with a history rooted in true Is lam, respect for the Abrahamic faith, and pride in its heritage and morals. His Majesty highlighted the Arab nation's vital and positive role in the region and the world, being a major source of energy and a hub for global trade connections. His Majesty stressed that while Bahrain safeguards its interests and those of the world in the region, it is incumbent upon global friends and partners to consider the region's circumstances and challenges. HM the King urged them to stand with the region with clarity and commitment to avert threats, confront destructive hegemonic policies, and adopt comprehensive strategic cooperation agreements in security, economy, and development. His Majesty the King underscored the importance of renouncing differences, uniting, and pursuing peace and good neighborliness in bilateral and regional relations, avoiding policies of aggression and proxy wars, and ensuring that decisions are made in self-interest and solidarity to face challenges that threaten regional stability, such as the situation in the occupied Gaza Strip, threats to navigation in the Red Sea, and emerging threats. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for his appreciation of the efforts made by all members of Team Bahrain. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted that this recognition from His Majesty the King is a source of pride and responsibility to continue fulfilling HM the King's aspirations. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the commitment of ministries and government agencies to implement His Majesty's directives to develop Bahrain's cities while preserving their historical and cultural identity, to ensure the success of the commemoration of Ashoora, and to execute various plans and projects to enhance food security, support national products, and preserve wildlife. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed that government agencies are always honoured to implement His Majesty's directives, contributing to Bahrain's development goals and progress across various levels. Source: Bahrain News Agency