His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has expressed utmost pride in His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's precious trust in the new cabinet.
He also congratulated the cabinet members, whether those who kept their previous portfolios, those who were transferred to other ministries or the new ones, expressing sincere thanks to the members of the outgoing cabinet for their landmark efforts and contributions.
HRH Premier was speaking as he chaired today's cabinet meeting at the Gudaibiya Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
In a statement following the session, the Secretary-General of Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser sated that HRH Premier outlined the government's work strategy, basic priorities and mechanisms for the coming period.
He directed to embark on preparing a draft government blue print for the next four years, stressing that it should focus on achieving the citizens' aspirations for a more prosperous future and continue implementing comprehensive development and social plans.
He affirmed that the new work plan will be implemented according to clear programmes that upgrade education and health care, provide decent housing for the citizens, create job opportunities for youth, and ensure optimal use of state resources, diversification of revenues, rationalisation of government spending and spurring economic growth, within a positive investment climate and secure and stable atmosphere that consolidate transparency, fairness and equal opportunities for all.
HRH Premier called for "serious and fruitful" cooperation between the executive and the legislative branches, and extend bridges of trust and build a strong relationship with the Representatives and Shura Councils in order to reinforce "effective partnership" in building the nation and enhancing its progress, and support the Parliament in assuming its monitoring and legislative roles.
He also stressed that ministers should respond positively and swiftly with all issues raised by the Representatives and Shura Councils, in accordance with the available constitutional tools.
HRH the Prime Minister also instructed the cabinet members to interact with the press and respond positively and quickly with the issues it raises.
He urged ministers to follow-up on issues tackled by media outlets concerning their ministries, and take the initiative and respond to the remarks made, adding that ministries and government departments should keep bridges of communication with the press extended so as to support mass media in assuming their noble mission.
He also requested ministries to ensure the press and media outlets easy access to information through their official channels so as to highlight the government's achievements in Bahrain and abroad.
HRH Premier directed ministers to adopt field work as an essential approach on which the work of ministries and government bodies, especially the service ones, is based.
He emphasised that officials should always be close to the citizens, gauge their needs, and enable them to meet senior officials without delay.
During the session, the cabinet approved to hold its regular weekly meeting on Mondays instead of Sundays.