11 July 2018
Bahrain Continues its Presence at the International Cultural Mous¬sem of Asilah, Morocco
A forum discussion on the National Action Charter’s notion of citizenship organized
The Kingdom of Bahrain continues its significant participation at the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah, Morocco, after the inauguration of “Four-by-Four: Art From the Kingdom of Bahrain” exhibition and book launch ceremony of “40 years-Asilah”. While taking part in all artistic events in the iconic city of Asilah, Bahrain organized a forum discussion on the National Action Charter’s notion of citizenship on 10 July 2018.
The forum was attended by H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities and H.E Mohamed Benaissa, former Moroccan Foreign Minister Secretary-General and Founder of the Asilah Forum Foundation, Mr. Mohammed Al Araj, as well as academicians, officials and intellectuals from Bahrain and Morocco.
The International Cultural Moussem of Asilah organized this forum, in cooperation with “DERASAT” and invited speakers, such as Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, Mr. Nabeel Al-Hamer, His Majesty's Advisor for Media Affairs, Mrs. Sameera Ebrahim bin Rajab, the Royal Court Special Envoy, media professional and writer Mrs. Sawsen Al Shaer, Mr. Idriss Lakrini, Political Life and International Relations Professor at Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco.
H.E Mohamed Benaissa said during the forum that the National Action Charter marked a new chapter for Bahrain, given that the constitutional referendum is considered the cornerstone for promoting freedoms on the social, economic and political levels. Mr. Benaissa added saying that the 2001 Charter transformed Bahrain with home-grown progressive ideas, multifarious branching accomplishments have been made in all fields, shedding lights on the supremacy of the law, transparency, people's participation, justice, effective performance, efficient management, accountability, responsibility and strategic vision.
H.E Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies said during his intervention also that the key phases following the endorsement of the Charter were the constitutional amendments in implementation of the clauses of the National Action Charter that ushered the Kingdom into a new era of reform and development. The principles stipulated in the Charter would not have seen daylight had they not been included in legislation text, also all laws that contradicted with the principles and guidance of the Charter have been rescinded. The Constitution laid down solid foundations for the protection of rights and freedoms, heralding a new era in the political and civil society’s progressive aspirations, H.E added.
Mr. Nabeel Al-Hamer, His Majesty's Advisor for Media Affairs said during his intervention at the forum discussion meeting that the National Action Charter enhanced and consolidated the national unity. He added that the referendum of the National Action Charter day marked a historic moment for Bahrain, as it is regarded as a promising start in the process of the comprehensive modernization of the state institutions and constitutional branches, which fulfilled the aspirations of Bahraini loyal people with unprecedented unanimity that reflected the inclusive character of the Bahraini identity keen on further civilizational development and progress. The Charter enhanced and secured women's rights, giving them the right to take part in decision making on equal footing with men and compete in all facets of life ‘domains.
Mrs. Sawsen Al Shaer said that the National Action Charter clearly showed out the way forward to enhance the political, social, economic dimensions of the country, containing all details, with regard to government mechanisms, the protection of individual freedoms, equality, freedom of belief, expression and publishing, democratic life and principles of the free market.
Mr. Idriss Lakrini, for his part, said that Bahrain; had made a giant step towards anchoring many other reforms previously, making a pioneer and a model in the whole region. The National Action Charter adopted policies aimed at combating hate speech, strengthening national unity, and creating an enabling environment for the participation of civil society or trade unions without any discrimination. Individual freedoms quality, justice and equal opportunity remain the core principles of the Charter, he added.
Worth to mention that the Kingdom of Bahrain attended Assilah 36th International Cultural Moussem, as a guest of honor, in 2014, presenting talented and creative arts’ shows, music concerts, intellectual forums and evenings of poetry and literature.
