Bahrain King's wife to visit Brunei, China

Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Women, will pay an official visit to Brunei and China from September 8 to 19, to promote the "new image of Bahraini women."

In an official statement, a copy of which was sent to Gulf News yesterday, Sheikha Sabika said: "Our focus during the visits will be on promoting the new image of Bahraini women, particularly in view of the forthcoming developments which will witness the establishment of parliamentary life and a greater participation by the people who will have, both men and women, the right to take part in the decision-making process.

"This will mark the beginning of the practical application of the democratic process within a common vision, shared by the leader and the citizens, to continue modernisation and progress based on the positive contributions by all of us to consolidate developments that require serious and loyal contributions."

During her visits, she will look into the nature of women's work and discuss means of cooperation between the council and the women's institutions in the two countries.

Sheikha Sabika's visit to China follows an invitation from the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) to hold talks with officials from the federation and the Chinese government, the statement said.

She is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to initiate cooperation between the council and the Chinese federation.

She will also visit Egypt at the head of a Bahraini delegation to the international meeting, entitled Women for Peace, to be held in Sharm El Sheikh from September 21 to 23, under the patronage of Suzanne Mubarak, wife of the Egyptian President.

The meeting is a non-governmental initiative launched by Mubarak's wife to establish a new outlook on women's contribution to achieve world peace. Taking part in the meeting will be high-level delegations representing the Arab and foreign countries, the UN and the NGOs.

Sheikha Sabika said: "We welcome such opportunities which are supported and encouraged by His Majesty the King, to promote the advanced status of Bahraini women as a source of pride to Bahrain, to bring our opinions and views and those of our friends closer, and to unify efforts through constant and indispensable dialogues to establish civilisational co-existence and, eventually, achieve world peace."