As part of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, a joint meeting between the executive and legislative a meeting was held on Thursday to highlight the latest developments in the fight to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the Kingdom’s precautionary procedures.

The steps which were taken aim to implement the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to place the interests and safety of citizens as top priorities. All concerned authorities are dedicated to back the efforts of the national taskforce to combat coronavirus led by HRH the Crown Prince.

The efforts had contributed to containing the virus and preventing its spread inside the Kingdom, along with international recognition by the World Health Organisation (WHO) by considering Bahrain as a role model in dealing with coronavirus.

The executive branch of government was represented in the meeting by His Excellency Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa,  Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan, Minister for Shura Council and House of Representatives Affairs Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain, Minister of Health, Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh and Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani.

HE Interior Minister asserted that the meeting came as part of the directives of HM the King to inform the legislative authority about the latest developments to highlight everything to the public. He noted the instructions of HRH Crown Prince to hold this meeting to reveal the latest in the general health situation.

He added that Bahrain is dealing successfully with the situation, and it receives appreciation from all, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), announcing   procedures that meet the development of health situation and other  precautionary steps get ready for the coming phases.

He highlighted that among the main challenges in the general health situation is when Iran hid the virus outbreak at the beginning. “Iran violated the international laws and norms by not stamping the passports of Bahrainis while entering and leaving the country. “It is worth mentioning that we didn’t ban our citizens from travelling to Iran,” he asserted.

“Iran, through such practice, allowed the transmission of this dangerous virus abroad. In my opinion, this is considered as “Internationally prohibited biological aggression” as it risks our safety and the safety of others, he noted.

 “We are responsible in front of HM the King and the nation to protect society and its safety. We care for our citizens inside Bahrain and won’t abandon our citizens abroad. There should be trust in the steps taken by the Health Ministry and the medical teams.” he stressed.

HE Interior Minister asserted the situation shouldn’t be politicised, adding that sectarianism isn’t accepted. “We succeeded in tackling the situation through joint efforts, and the efforts of citizens are required to fight coronavirus. We shouldn’t allow the situation to turn into a security matter, as we are dealing with a health situation.”

He said that the situation requires wisdom and adoption of national values to tackle the matter out of the national responsibility. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the medical team and military, security and medical personnel for their sincere work. “There are many national stories, and we are proud of citizens for carrying their duties and providing help,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister hailed the major efforts of the national team and their coordination with various ministries and concerned authorities according to a comprehensive national strategic plan to tackle the risks of coronavirus. He assured that the joint efforts, fast response and precautionary steps have contributed to preventing the spreading of infection.

He revealed that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had formed a work team to follow up on the development of the health crisis and coordinate with the national taskforce in all steps. The ministry has allocated a follow-up office that works round the clock to receive inquiries and answer them, along with registering the details of citizens abroad. A hotline 17227555 has been allocated, in which it receives around 400 calls daily. The office is in continuous contact with Bahrain embassies.

The Minister of Finance and National Economy asserted the directives of HM the King to promote cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities. He highlighted that national efforts to fight coronavirus outbreak started in early stages as part of the vision and directives of HRH the Crown Prince. He said that the success of the efforts was because of a joint national work of all members of the team, the executive and legislative authorities, public and private organisations and the public.

Minister of Labour and Social Development asserted the importance of solidarity and cohesion. He said that the joint efforts between all members of society to prevent the spreading of the virus was a source of pride for all.

 “The situation of Bahrainis in Iran is unfortunate as the Iranian regime didn’t take it its responsibility of providing medical treatment for Bahrainis there, on the contrary, it started to announce baseless allegations against Bahrain, ” he said, saying Bahrain will remain fine by its sincere children and their love for their leadership and nation.

The Minister of Health highlighted that Bahrainis value their nation, as volunteers and retired individuals went back to work. “We are proud of our medics that work round the clock as part of the national efforts.”

She highlighted there are international norms, including regulations of the World Health Organisation that countries should follow to prevent virus and epidemic outbreak. “It is clear that the Iranian regime had failed for many reasons, including for lacking transparency and credibility to reveal the true numbers about the virus outbreaks in Iranian cities and areas.”

She also accused Iran of not providing medical care for Bahrainis in Iran, and the inadequate health facilities led to the outbreaks that affected the neighbouring countries, especially the Gulf countries.

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism hailed the wisdom of HM the King, in which he always asserts the importance of food security in all situations. He also praised the follow up of HRH the Crown Prince to coordinate with concerned authorities to set mechanisms to ensure availability of food stocks that meet the demands.  He asserted the importance of supervision in such situations, in which the ministry carries inspection visits and take serious steps against violators.