His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander and President of the Supreme Defense Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain, chaired the meeting of the Council in the presence of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

“It is with great pleasure that we open our second meeting of the Supreme Defense Council for this year, and we express our thanks and appreciation to all of you for your distinguished efforts in ensuring the security of the Kingdom and the safety of the citizens and residents,” HM King Hamad said in his speech.

“This is also an opportunity to praise the initiative of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to designate the first day of every November a Bahraini Doctor Day and to allocate an award, named after HRH, to honor Bahraini doctors for their outstanding contributions in the medical and scientific fields.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain continues to harness all its capabilities in light of the exceptional circumstances of the health crisis that represents through its global spread a continuous challenge with effects threatening opportunities for comprehensive development, especially socio-economic gains.

“Hence the package of financial and economic policies, decisions and measures that we decreed called for early in order to counter its repercussions. Team Bahrain, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, began to follow up on the implementation of its programs accurately and effectively, with a view to maintaining levels of economic growth for the benefit of Bahrain and its honorable citizens.”

“The state authorities and all institutions have demonstrated their high capacity and readiness to assume responsibility during this difficult stage, and their role has had great effects on work discipline and yielded excellent results.

“At the forefront of these national efforts are the leadership roles undertaken by our dear son, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Bahrain will not forget his roles, great stances and dedicated endeavors to assume his national responsibilities fully, both in good and bad times.”

“We want to also highlight the outstanding and much-appreciated performances of our defense and security institutions - The Bahrain Defense Force with its distinguished long-standing military, medical and administrative organization, the Ministry of Interior with its well-prepared staff on the front rows, and the National Guard and National Security Agency forces who provide everything necessary to tackle this virus and protect the health, safety and security of citizens and residents, according to the highest standards.”

“On this occasion, we reiterate our gratitude for the endeavors of the medical teams, health professionals and civil crews who have worked with determination and great faith. They continue to assume their humanitarian responsibilities to protect lives by offering the best services, treatments and preventive measures, which has earned the Kingdom of Bahrain an advanced global status in the fight against this pandemic.”

“We reiterate our thanks and appreciation, which are not sufficient to do justice to our loyal people whose genuine character, high morals and civilized commitment in all circumstances and times are a source of immense pride for us.”

“In conclusion, we pray to God Almighty to cure our patients and rest the souls of our martyrs in eternal peace in light of the pandemic. We recall our fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to protect the security of Bahrain. 

Following the speech, HRH Prince Khalifa addressed HM King Hamad: “Just as Your Majesty kindly said, these are your people who deserve all the health, education, safety and security provided to them. We ask God to grant all of us success in serving you at this important time.”

The Council then reviewed the topics on its agenda and took the necessary decisions for the benefit and safety of Bahrain, its honorable citizens and all residents.

His Highness Major General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defense Council, gave a briefing on issues aimed at raising defense, security and health capabilities.