Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has called for political and economic reforms in Islamic countries - vital for global development.

He said that Bahrain has been able, thanks to the reforms of His Majesty King Hamad, to keep the wheels of progress in motion, making it one of the most effective partners in worldwide development.

"This is a noble human target and Islamic partnership is its indispensable tool and a reflection of the Islamic values such as co-operation, solidarity and dedication to constant progress and advancement for better welfare and sustainable growth", the Premier explained.

He made his remarks in an address to the main session of the 4th World Islamic Forum in Kuwait under the theme "the Islamic nations in a competitive world".

Kuwaiti Premier Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Ahmed Al Sabah gave the opening address, saying that Islamic nations have enough in common to consolidate their ties, outlining challenges facing them such as poverty, unemployment, immigration of expertise and slow investment activities.

Shaikh Nasser called for the creation of an Islamic common market to stand up to these challenges.

Shaikh Khalifa delivered his speech before the gathering, expressing delight in taking part in the big event and thanking Kuwait for the invitation.

He also noted with pride Kuwait's remarkable contributions to development projects in Islamic countries including Bahrain, describing such support as a noble humanitarian deed.

The participation of Islamic countries in international development forums as such is the best way to refute allegations that attempt to distort Islam's genuine content, he noted.

He also called on Islamic states to be part of an economic bloc capable of competing with other giant blocs in the world.

"Among challenges facing the Islamic nation are poverty, ignorance and diseases that necessitate sagacious leadership and broad co-operation with all sides in the world to bring about more security and peace and push the wheels of progress forward," the Prime Minister said.