UK to support Bahrain’s reform initiatives: Burt

Manama : The United Kingdom (UK) will continue to support Bahrain in its ambitious reform initiatives, said Alistair Burt, UK’s Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa yesterday.

Burt, who is here to attend the 9th meeting of the UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group, met His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister at Gudaibiya Palace. He said that the UK will extend all help to the Kingdom in this regard with particular focus on rule of law and human rights.

“UK and Bahrain have a close and special relationship which has flourished for more than 200 years. I am pleased to see so much commitment from one of our key Gulf allies in further deepening our relationship, in line with the vision the Prime Minister outlined during her visit to Bahrain in December 2016,” Burt said, referring to Theresa May.

“There is more work to be done, but I am proud to see UK expertise is continuing to make a real difference in its support to Bahrain,” Burt said.

During the meeting, His Royal Highness noted that the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK is based on strong historical foundations which has facilitated cooperation across a range of sectors as well as joint positions on various regional issues.

His Royal Highness welcomed Burt’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting that regular exchange visits reflect both countries’ shared commitment to increasing cooperation and reinforcing bilateral collaboration.

His Royal Highness also noted the UK’s important role in maintaining regional stability, supporting international security and strengthening international cooperation to defeat terrorism and extremist ideologies. Both the leaders reviewed regional and international issues.