A tribute was paid to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for his directives to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. "Bahrain showed firm commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals since they were first launched in 2000", said Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla. 

This came as he addressed the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, which opened today in Istanbul, Turkey. He conveyed greetings from HM the King, wishing the congress every success to achieve its objectives. The Speaker highlighted the youth development award which was launched as part of Bahrain’s commitment to achieve the sustainable development goals. 
He underlined the Parliament’s support to the beyond 2015 goals which focus on protecting society from terrorism and violence, developing good education, promoting better healthcare, providing work opportunities, integrating women’s need in development strategies and protecting the environment.
He urged an Asian parliamentary strategy that addresses challenges and integrates peaceful and sustainable development goals and human rights. He said that the sustainable development is the best means to stave off dangers and sustain peace by investing in basic services and communities.
The Speaker underlined Bahrain’s strides in developing social and healthcare and enhancing the standard of the educational sector and supporting Bahraini women. He highlighted challenges facing Asian countries, citing blatant interference in sovereign countries’ internal affairs, support to terrorist groups, the refugee crises and the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the nuclear tests.