UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was all praise for Bahrain for its continuous efforts to empower Bahraini women and ensure their access to decision-making positions during his visit to the kingdom.

Ban Ki-moon is in the country to attend the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) being held in the capital Manama.

The UN chief was received by the secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala Al-Ansri, who conveyed to him greetings from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty and the president of the SCW.

Princess Sabeeka had lauded the efforts exerted by the UN and its specialised agencies, especially CSW, for the sake of advancing women in all fields, she stated.

Al Ansri highlighted the Government of Bahrain's focus on advancing the status of Bahraini women through laws, and effective procedures that contributed to ensuring their presence in various fields, said a statement from SCW.

She stressed that the launch of the National Model for Integrating Women's Needs in the Government's Action Plan, the establishment of permanent equal opportunities units at ministries and official bodies, and co-operation with ministries in putting forward the mechanisms to meet women's needs in their budgets were a living proof of Bahrain's pioneering experience in achieving the Millennium Development Goals regarding gender equality.

During the meeting, Ban Ki-moon praised Bahrain's commitment to submitting its periodic reports to Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw).

He also expressed pride in the crucial role played by Princess Sabeeka in empowering Bahraini women in all fields, which, he said, has enabled them to reach high positions in Bahrain and at the international level.-TradeArabia News Service