"Doors of all officials should remain open for citizens," Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said yesterday.

 He asked officials not to remain hostage to "bureaucratic work".

 "It is unacceptable that citizens wait for long to access decision-makers. The officials must conduct field visits," the premier said as he received ministers and senior officials.

 Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh and parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani conveyed Eid Al Fitr greetings to the premier.

 Shaikh Khalifa also stressed the need to undertake measures and insulate Bahrain's financial instructions from the global meltdown.

 "Our financial sector is capable of withstanding the global crisis, but we need to be on alert and prevent any such impact."

 He highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination at the local and GCC levels through unified contingency policies and plans.

 The premier also stressed security and stability as prerequisites for Bahrain to preserve its standing as economic and investment hub.

 "The economic, political, social and educational achievements have earned Bahrain international recognition. We shall never allow freedom to be misused as a cover to undermine security and sabotage the development march," Shaikh Khalifa said.

 He praised the private sector's contribution to boosting national economy and putting its ambitious visions.

 The premier also highlighted writings, which debunked all attempts aimed at distorting truths, and spreading lies and praised Bahrainis' consciousness and perspicacity.