Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Quotes

Reform is the mission from which we shall not digress; it is an expression of belief and determination between us and our people. With the help of Allah, we will proceed forward in this promising national process within the natural progress of the life cycle and the development of people and nation.

Democracy is not just constitutional and legislative rules; it is a culture and practice and adhering by the law and respecting international human rights principles.

Our people have proven their desire for continuing with reforms. We complete the march today with those who have an honest patriotic desire for more progress and reform.

Bahrain lies at the epicenter of Gulf security and any violent upheaval in Bahrain would have enormous geopolitical consequences. Global economic stability depends on the uninterrupted export of crude oil from the Gulf to markets around the world - a job that historically has been assigned to the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

We have evidence that a number of Bahrainis who oppose our government are being trained in Syria. I have seen the files and we have notified the Syrian authorities, but they deny any involvement.

There is no ethnic cleansing in Bahrain, no mass genocide, no policy of killing innocent people.

We are a constitutional monarchy. I don't order laws, I propose them. Article 35 of our constitution states that the king can only refuse a law of parliament once, then he has to sign it - if the same law is then supported by a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament.

If people have done something wrong then they should be held accountable.

I care about Bahrain.

There is no doubt that some in Iran have an unhealthy focus on Bahrain, as some of the broadcast coverage shows.

I cherished the dream of a country embracing all its people.

By being friends with all, we are not alone.

Any government that has a sincere desire for reform and progress should understand the benefit of objective and constructive criticism.

You cannot transpose the U.S. system on Turkey, and the Turkish system on France etc. You have to understand the people and their culture. That's leadership.

History shows that no enemy remains hostile forever, nor do friends remain friendly forever. For that reason, we intend to have normal relations with all.

I care about Bahrain. Bahrain is very dear to me. I will not allow people to play around with our laws.

Along with our friends in the GCC, the first order of business is stability. Beyond the imperative of stability, the most important priority is job creation for all Bahrainis.

There are no 'political prisoners' as such in Bahrain. People are not arrested because they express their views, we only have criminals.

I don't order laws, I propose them.

In establishing democracy, we have to be sensitive to the regional and national context. Democracy also means to guarantee the rights of the minorities. That's my job as a king. We have for example a Jewish ambassador in the US and a Christian in the UK.

We invite American companies looking to raise capital to list on the Bahrain Stock Exchange. The region has a liquidity oversupply approximating $1 trillion and this pool of capital can be tapped into by creative American companies. The next Facebook may very well get funded on the BSE.

If you like your brother and he's prospering, you'll be pleased for him.

Sectarian divide has created a schism in our society that is a major challenge. As monarch of all Bahrainis, it pains me to see many harmed by the actions of a few. And yet I am optimistic and have faith in our people. We all realize that now is the time to strike a balance between stability and gradual reform.

If somebody gives me his hand, I will not look at him with suspicion.

No king should rule absolutely, like a dictator.

May Allah guide us to the good of the kingdom of Bahrain and its loyal people.

Bahrain is very dear to me.