Top American TV network CNN's official website has published a profile praising His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for his effective social, political and economic reforms.

His visionary leadership "for a better Bahrain for future generations" was highlighted.

It praised Prince Khalifa's role in inspiring Bahrain's foreign policy. He earned the respect of world leaders and was the first Arab leader to recognise the importance of Southeast Asia, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The profile said the Premier worked to provide citizens, regardless of race or religion, free education, housing and health.

"He realised that Bahrain needed to become economically independent from oil and endorsed Islamic banking. He expanded the hospitality sector and encouraged international exhibitions and investment in real estate projects. When the global recession in 2009 saw neighbouring countries in turmoil, Bahrain was hardly affected. The country continued being business friendly and economically sound," said the profile.

The website said after Bahrain became formally independent on December 16, 1971, the Premier began the process of modernising the country together with the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

*In 1975, the Ministry of Works, Electricity and Water was established. In 1992, it was restructured into Public Works and Electricity and Water and in 1995 renamed as Ministry of Works and Agriculture. In 2001, it became the Works Ministry.

*The Housing Ministry, established in 1975, was responsible for providing housing services to citizens who were unable to build properties themselves.

*The Education Ministry was created to provide free compulsory education to all Bahrainis.

*The Premier brought world-class medical facilities to the country.

*In 2000, when Gulf Air crashed killing all passengers, the Premier was in France for medical treatment. He immediately cut short his trip and returned to Bahrain to stand with the people in their time of need.

*In 2011, the Al Fateh Unity gathering saw hundreds of thousands show their allegiance to Bahrain and reject all acts of terrorism and foreign interference. The Premier visited public places to show the masses that national security was of utmost importance to him, thus calming an insecure population. He reached out to all sections of the community. He visited the Interior Ministry and thanked police for their efforts to ensure security.

*He promoted freedom of speech.

The website praised the Premier's ability to fulfil people's dreams and resolve their problems. It hailed his success in steering Bahrain out of a political crisis.-TradeArabia News Service