MANAMA, 2 October 2005 — Bahrain’s Parliament yesterday mourned the death of King Fahd and expressed confidence in the new regional leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. King Hamad, who opened the National Assembly’s fourth session, also emphasized his country’s commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“With the death of King Fahd the region lost one of the key figures that helped forge strong ties among the six GCC countries,” King Hamad said, adding that he was confident that King Abdullah would continue his brother’s legacy. “We are all aware of the key role the Saudi Kingdom plays in helping bring peace and stability to this vital part of the world,” the king said.
He added that Bahrain was committed to the GCC establishment, which he described as “one of the cornerstones in the grand scheme of a pan-Arab body”.
At the local level, King Hamad pledged to tackle the unemployment problem and housing shortage in the country as part of his government’s reform efforts.
He praised the role played by members of the bicameral National Assembly, which consists of an elected Parliament and an appointed Shoura Council, during three previous sessions in realizing the hopes of the people.
King Hamad said by exercising its rights to monitor and legislate the Parliament has established a precedent for responsible action and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of government.
He said the government was committed to raising the standards of living of its citizens. He cited the continued growth in Bahrain’s economy and an increase in foreign investment. “We intend to double the current housing projects and we are in the final phase of completing the social security program for the unemployed which we hope to be ready by early next year,” King Hamad said.
