Bahrain's landmark democratic, economic and social strides are being showcased in an international conference which opened today in Brussels, Belgium. The two-day event is being organised by Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA) under the theme "This is Bahrain".
Addressing a press conference at Brussels Press Club, Shura Council member Dr. Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Khuzai underlined Bahrain's democratic strides under the reform process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
He cited particularly the bicameral parliamentary system which represents the cornerstone of Bahrain's fledgling democracy, as it guaranteed people a bigger say in decision-making, enforced state institutions and the rule of the law. Dr. Al-Kuzae described Bahrain as an oasis of security and stability for its citizens and visitors, stressing other key attributes which include peaceful co-existence, tolerance, dialogue as well as renunciation of violence and terrorism.
"HM the King launched the reform and democratic process which promoted citizens' participation in political life, enforced the rule of the law and bolstered the role of the legislative, executive and judicial institutions", he said.
The Shura Council member said that Bahrain sets a model for religious tolerance and interfaith respect, outlining the HM the King's landmark initiatives which aim to promote openness, freedom of express and opinion, which are all guaranteed in Bahrain.
The Shura Council delegation visited the European Parliament and met member Afdhal Khan, who visited Bahrain last November and witnessed its democratic and reform strides. One hundred leading figures representing 40 institutions, expatriate clubs, mosques, churches, worship venues and civil society organisations are taking part in "This is Bahrain".
Officials representing the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the ministries of housing and industry and commerce are also taking part in the two-day function, following the success of the first and second editions which were held in London and Berlin, in May and October respectively.
A wide cross-section of participants representing the Sunni and Jaafari Endowment Directorates, the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Churches, the Jewish synagogue, the Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist temples, in addition to three Mps and two Shura Council members.