King of Bahrain Issues Royal Decree Pardoning 457 Prisoners

File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
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King of Bahrain Issues Royal Decree Pardoning 457 Prisoners

File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)
File photo: Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister in the capital Manama, on May 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/AFP)

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa pardoned 457 prisoners Wednesday night to mark his 25th anniversary as the nation's ruler.
Bahrain news agency said: “The royal pardon reflects HM the King’s dedication to fostering social cohesion and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. It also aims to balance legal accountability with the humanitarian and social circumstances of the inmates, providing them with an opportunity to reintegrate into society. This approach aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to human rights and its prominent standing within the region.”
In April, King Hamad pardoned 1,584 prisoners, including prisoners convicted of triggering chaos.



Saudi Arabia Hosts Gulf-American Summit on Wednesday

US President Donald Trump is seen at the Gulf-American summit in Riyadh in July 2017. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump is seen at the Gulf-American summit in Riyadh in July 2017. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Gulf-American Summit on Wednesday

US President Donald Trump is seen at the Gulf-American summit in Riyadh in July 2017. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump is seen at the Gulf-American summit in Riyadh in July 2017. (Reuters)

Riyadh will host on Wednesday a Gulf-American summit as US President Donald Trump kicks off a historic visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

The summit will bring together the US president with his counterparts from the Arab Gulf, an American and two Arab officials told Axios.

“Trump's first official foreign trip reflects the growing importance his administration is placing on economic cooperation and investments between the US and Gulf countries,” said Axios.

“The summit will be a chance for Trump to present his vision for US involvement in the Middle East and lay out his policy objectives in the region,” it added.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent on Sunday invitations to the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman to attend the summit.

This will mark the fifth summit between the US and Gulf countries. The first was held in Camp David in May 2015, the second in April 2016, and the third in May 2017 in Riyadh, with Trump attending during his first term as president. The fourth summit was held in July 2022 and included the participation of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.

The US State Department had told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s visit reflects “without a doubt” Saudi Arabia’s importance and strategic role in the region.

The US sees the Kingdom as a pivotal partner in efforts aimed at achieving regional security and stability, said Samuel Warburg, regional spokesman for the US Department of State.

Washington is once again reaffirming its commitment to working with regional partners to find sustainable political and diplomatic solutions to crises and supporting efforts to restore calm in Gaza, he added.