Manama, Aug. 16 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has called on economists, bankers and businessmen to express their opinions, visions and remarks on everything related to the economy, being partners in achieving the nation-building and development goals.

Receiving here today a number of senior state officials, HRH the Prime Minister lauded the positive role played by the financial and banking institutions in stimulating economic growth, and praised their development thanks to the professionalism of Bahraini competencies and the existing solid institutional framework and robust economic environment and infrastructure, which, he said, helped them to flourish and increase their operations.

HRH the Premier affirmed the national economy’s ability to withstand and keep pace with negative regional and global developments thanks to the efficient measures taken by the government and the economic, financial and banking sectors.

HRH Premier stressed the need to maintain the kingdom’s distinguished economic and financial status and build on its landmark achievements in this regard, noting that Bahrain has always been, and will remain, a leader in various fields, including the economy, and therefore, this leading position has to be preserved to ensure a better future.

The incidents recently witnessed by the region, in general, and Bahrain, in particular, indicate the existence of some groups which seek to take advantage of the openness and freedom atmosphere prevailing in the region’s countries to step up their cooperation with external terror sides to serve illegal agendas, he said.

“The events witnessed by the regions require us to take unified stances that strengthen our capabilities in combating and confronting all threats, particularly terrorism,” HRH Premier added.

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BNA 1301 GMT 2015/08/16