The ratification of the National Action Charter has led to many benefits for Bahrainis, as reflected in increased employment opportunities, improved per capita income and a fall in the unemployment rate, said His Majesty yesterday.

In an address to the nation, marking the 13th anniversary of the National Action Charter, the King urged all Bahrainis to be united and think of national interests above all else, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

In an address to the nation, marking the 13th anniversary of the National Action Charter, the King said: "Together, we have attained many achievements and sustained our gains over many decades.

"This occasion reminds us of our consensus on the national principles and interests which are our ultimate goals, and represents our agreement on our loyalty to our homeland and our devotion to its defence."

"We inaugurate today our National Charter Day, which enjoyed the support of an overwhelming majority of Bahrainis," he said.

The National Action Charter led to the modernisation of the Constitution that clearly stipulates political rights for women, two legislative chambers sharing the power of legislation as one council, he said.

"The Charter recognised the establishment of the Constitutional Court and strengthens the independence of the judiciary and all judicial bodies, as well as the rule of law, justice, equality, freedom and equal opportunities," he said.

"The charter has also led to the empowerment of women in various sectors in which they reached the highest positions at home and abroad, particularly the laudable increase in representation from 4.9 per cent to 35.5 per cent of the total workforce in Bahrain, and the surge of female workers in the government sector to almost 51 per cent.

"We returned parliamentary and municipal elections, secured public freedoms, established political associations, activated civil society institutions and completed our constitutional institutions such as the judicial authority, the Constitutional Court, the National Audit Office, as well as modernisation of the executive power," he said.

These principles represent the most fundamental national principles that were accepted by popular consensus, which emanate from set basic components that are in line with the values of Arab and Islamic countries.

They guarantee freedom of religion, foremost the religion of the state, its form, and the system of government.

"We shall exert every effort to consolidate these values and principles in the years ahead as they represent our life and the progress of the people of Bahrain in their triumphant march towards a bright future," he said.

"We are committed to the comprehensive reform process that takes into account our circumstances and conditions, our national interest, identity, and values, as well as respecting the rights of all citizens, and the renunciation of violence, terrorism and extremism in all its forms.

"Further, Bahrain is and will remain steadfast to GCC membership and supportive to the just causes of Arab countries as a backbone of its national policies."

"We can be proud of all these achievements, and we are fully convinced that we have to continue the reform march we started together and bring it to its completion together. We are convinced and enthusiastic to exert every effort to achieve a better future for our country and all its citizens."

However, His Majesty said, since housing is one of the challenges facing Bahraini society, the government has stepped up the pace of construction and successfully attracted investments from the private sector to eradicate or alleviate its negative effects.

"The cost of housing services provided to citizens is approximately BD3.1 billion ($8.2 billion) over the past years, as the estimated value of the projects included in the plan to construct 40,000 housing units at a cost of around BD2.6 billion in order to decrease the waiting period to five years by the end of 2016.

"Nonetheless, even these achievements do not satisfy our ambition and expectations, although we haven't mentioned all achievements, and there are many more on the way. We strongly believe in our ability to accomplish more in the coming years, thanks to the concerted efforts and diligent work with the national endeavours of our government."

The King called on everyone to actively take part in the service of the nation and preserve its national principles. "We also appreciate the efforts of our armed forces, security personnel, and the National Guard in protecting our gains and achievements," he said.-TradeArabia News Service