Manama : On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today laid the foundation stone of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Assembly building.
HRH the Deputy King highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to meeting its comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty the King.
His Royal Highness noted that HM the King’s aspiration and leadership shape the Kingdom’s wide-ranging development that benefits citizens and residents. In this regard, HRH the Deputy King, emphasised the government’s commitment to building on the Kingdom’s achievements for the benefit of all.
His Royal Highness went on to recall contributions made by the late Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in light of the cooperation between the Executive and Legislative Authorities, which has furthered the Kingdom’s National development.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad noted that laying the foundation stone, which coincides with the commencement of the sixth legislative term of the Shura and Representatives Councils, is a significant milestone in advancing the Kingdom’s progressive democratic governance.
HRH the Deputy King reiterated the importance of strengthening ongoing cooperation and coordination between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Authorities to advance the Kingdom’s development further.
His Royal Highness highlighted the significant role of members of the Legislative Authority in drafting and introducing legislation necessary for the Kingdom’s overall advancement for the benefit of citizens. His Royal Highness further noted the role of the Chairpersons and members of the Shura and Representatives Councils in serving the Kingdom and furthering its development.
For his part, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, HE Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, commended HM the King’s unwavering and ongoing commitment to further advancing the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, adding that HM the King’s directives have had a positive impact on democratic governance and parliamentary work. HE Al Musallam extended his appreciation to HM the King for his patronage of laying the foundation stone for the new building.
In addition, HE Al Musallam extended his gratitude and appreciation to HRH the Deputy King for the commitment and support to the Kingdom and its citizens. It was declared that the National Assembly building represents the Kingdom’s comprehensive development and advancement, led by His Majesty the King.
The Minister for Shura and Representatives Council Affairs, HE Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain, delivered a speech in which he highlighted that the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by HM the King, has laid the foundations of the Kingdom’s democratic governance.
HE Al Buainain extended his gratitude to HRH the Deputy King for his ongoing commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s wide-ranging development, which is creating a prosperous future for Bahrain.
His Royal Highness then placed the National Assembly’s foundation stone and received a souvenir to mark the occasion.
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Assembly will cover 19,000 square meters. The first phase of construction will include a National Council hall that can accommodate approximately 500 people, a hall for the Shura and Representatives Councils that can accommodate 40 people, and a multi-purpose hall.
The project also includes a service building and facilities, a library, a museum documenting Bahrain’s democratic governance, a media centre, and an outdoor yard surrounded by a gallery for opening ceremonies.
The building’s design incorporates elements of Bahrain’s architectural heritage, such as palm fronds, and features a distinctive main gate. Sustainable construction methods will be used, and the completed building will be energy efficient.
Several senior officials also attended the ceremony.