Reinforce national spirit, says Bahrain Interior Minister

Manama :

Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa today met dignitaries of Bahrain, including religious scholars, media personalities, editors-in-chief, businessmen, owners of Majalis and heads of sports clubs and youth centres.

He welcomed the guests, thanking them for accepting the invitation for the meeting that was part of Royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to care for the safety of citizens.

The event was also part of the dedication of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to achieve the royal directives, and in line with the ongoing follow up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, on various national matters, especially the national steps to prevent coronavirus outbreak.

“We are going through situations that require reinforcement of national spirit and community partnership. As the issue is more serious and bigger than any other challenges”, the Interior Minister said, while valuing the honourable national stand, including such meetings with dignitaries of society’s members. He added that the national spirit among Bahrainis of different segments aims to the protection the safety of citizens, residents and visitors.

He said that not caring and ignorance help in the spread of infection, while educated societies reduce the risks of an outbreak, adding: “By the grace of God Bahraini society is educated”.

He told the attendees, “Your national role today is to follow up the implementation of health instructions in the community, each according to their capability, specialty and responsibility.” He highlighted the need for changing some practices in society and to give priority to the general interest through the cooperation of all without exceptions.

“Bahrain, with its small size, makes the solution more comprehensive, and the procedures are firmer. Cooperation of all reduces the intensity of the problem.”

The Interior Minister said that the attendees represent all segments in society and there is a need for unifying social, media and cultural efforts out of the sense of responsibility of society to deal with this danger.

After that, the Interior Minister listened to the inquiries of the attendees, including methods to deal with the coronavirus crisis, advanced steps were taken by the countries to tackle the situations, also, the required procedures during social and religious occasions to prevent the spreading of the infection. He expressed thanks and appreciation to those in charge of mosques and Maatems (community centres) for their dedication for the safety of all. He urged for caution during religious and other gatherings and cooperation with health authorities for the best organising of religious occasions and public meetings.

He highlighted the importance to seek information from official sources and to avoid exploiting social media to spread rumours that could harm security and civil peace. He concluded by assuring improvement in security situations in Bahrain and a reduction in crime rates compared with 2008 and 2009. He hailed the recent accomplishments of the Kingdom in unity and sports accomplishments.

The attendees expressed thanks and appreciation to the Interior Minister for his dedication to interact with society members and promotion of community partnership to ensure general safety. They hailed the efforts and sacrifices of police personnel to ensure the safety of all.