Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman Al Khalifa appointed new prime minister

Bahrain’s crown prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was appointed prime minister after the death of his great uncle, who had held the post since independence in 1971.

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the world’s longest-serving prime minister, died at the age of 84 while undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

The new prime minister received his bachelor’s degree in political science from American University in Washington and his master’s from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

King Hamad issued a royal decree appointing his son as head of the Council of Ministers with immediate effect, the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said.

Prince Khalifa’s burial will take place after his remains have been transported home, and in line with novel coronavirus restrictions, only a limited number of relatives will attend.

The country will hold a week of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Government ministries and departments will be closed for three days.