The Kingdom of Bahrain recently celebrated a major milestone as it commemorated the Silver Jubilee of the reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. For the past 25 years, His Majesty has been a guiding force for the country, exemplifying a clear vision, determination, and commitment to progress.
“Bahrain has made significant economic strides under King Hamad’s guidance.”
Since ascending to the throne on March 6, 1999, following the passing of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, King Hamad has steered Bahrain through a period of growth and development. With his prior role as Crown Prince since June 1964, he had already amassed decades of invaluable leadership experience and governance, preparing him for the heavy responsibilities of the role of Amir.
Under His Majesty’s reign, Bahrain underwent significant transformations across all sectors.
One of the most notable achievements was the implementation of political and democratic reforms through the National Action Charter. This landmark initiative ushered in a new era of political openness and participation, paving the way for municipal and parliamentary elections and enhancing Bahrain’s democratic credentials.
Bahrain has made significant economic strides under King Hamad’s guidance. The introduction of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 plan in 2008 provided a clear roadmap for sustainable economic development, focusing on diversification, innovation, and human capital development. As a result, Bahrain emerged as a leading commercial, financial, and investment hub in the Middle East, attracting businesses and investors from around the world. Bahrain has also achieved remarkable progress in human development and social welfare under His Majesty’s reign. Substantial investments in education, healthcare, and social services have significantly enhanced quality of life for Bahraini citizens, ensuring access to essential services and fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth.
During his reign, His Majesty has emphasized the importance of building strong political and economic relations with East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, given the significant influence and promising investment opportunities these regions present. Consequently, the Kingdom of Bahrain embarked on a strategy to diversify its global economic connections, focusing on diplomatic engagement in the East.
His Majesty demonstrated this commitment through official visits to key Asian nations, including China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. Additionally, Bahrain hosted leaders from countries such as Brunei Darussalam and Turkmenistan, as well as senior officials, during their official visits to the Kingdom. These diplomatic efforts underscore Bahrain’s dedication to cultivating mutually beneficial relationships across Asia.
Concerning Bahrain’s interactions with key regional and international organizations like the United Nations (UN), the European Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Kingdom earned substantial trust from the international community due to its supportive policies regarding international security, peace, and the establishment of global harmony.
These policies align with His Majesty the King’s vision and this strategic approach has successfully paved the way for cooperation with major organizations and strategic alliances on the regional and international scales, particularly with Bahrain becoming a member of the United Nations in 1971 and its active participation in various UN bodies and organizations.
Reflecting on his 25 years of leadership, His Majesty King Hamad delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude to the people of Bahrain for their support and loyalty. He highlighted the legacy of his father, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Bahrain’s prosperity and unity.
His Majesty said: “We recall with great pride the historic position of the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain through their national consensus on the Charter, which came as a pledge of allegiance to a new era, whose banner we carried with strong faith, following in the footsteps of the man of renaissance, my father and the father of all, Isa bin Salman, and with him the generation of fathers and pioneers who have enriched national action throughout their journey with diligent work and dedication.”
His Majesty also hailed the continued commitment of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in serving the nation, saying: “As we have learned from the lives and careers of our early pioneers, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, our 02 Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues with
the same diligence and commitment to serve his country and its people, accompanied by our sons who assume their responsibilities with high national spirits within Team Bahrain, and we think of them – all of them – in their solidarity and adherence to the honor of serving their country, preserving its integrity, and defending its interests.” His Majesty also expressed confidence in the nation’s continued progress and extended his appreciation for the protection provided by the national defense and security forces.
In conclusion, His Majesty highlighted the importance of promoting cherished values such as coexistence, tolerance, and cultural openness. Extending a hand of support, and cooperation to Bahrain’s friends, His Majesty underscored the nation’s enduring spirit of camaraderie, which has stood the test of time.
As the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reign this year, it carries on with its path of growth and development. With steady steps under the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, and with the efforts of the esteemed government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain continues to uphold its standing regionally and internationally.
