Bahrain Mirror: Paulina Kubiak, Spokesperson for the President of the 76th Session of the General Assembly, announced that the President of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 22-25 January.

Over the course of three-day visit, the President will meet with key National Figures, including: King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa; Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif Bin Rashed Al Zayani; Special Envoy for Climate Affairs and Chief Executive, Supreme Council for Environment Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal; and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women, Hala Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari.

The visit comes at the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is bearing all expenses for the trip.

On the side-lines of his official visit, the President will meet with one of his predecessors, the President of the 61st Session of the General Assembly, Haya Rashed Al Khalifa. He is also expected to have an interaction with women CSO representatives.

Asked why Bahrain paid for the President's visit, although that would limit his ability to meet with opposition leaders, the spokeswoman explained that "the fact that a member state is paying for a trip is very typical of how these things are done."

Speaking to reporters, Paulina Kubiak said the president will "raise all the issues that he deems of importance. On this particular visit, the President will meet with civil society leaders, including women's groups, as he strives to do so on all official visits."

The President is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies. His remarks there will reflect his belief in the enduring importance of multilateralism to meet global challenges. 

To discuss the ongoing strong partnership between the United Nations and Bahrain in terms of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, the President will also meet with Bahrain's UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed El Zarkani, and the UN country team. 

Prior to his departure, the President will sit down for a one-on-one interview with Bahrain News Agency, during which he will elucidate his priorities for the session and give his views on Bahrain's engagements with the United Nations.

This will be Abdulla Shahid's first official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain in his capacity as President of the General Assembly. He will be accompanied by his Deputy Chef De Cabinet, an Advisor, and a Communications Officer.

Arabic Version