HRH Premier praises strong ties with Britain

Manama, Oct. 4 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman has affirmed that stepping up international cooperation amid the deteriorating global security situation because of terrorism has become necessary, praising the United Kingdom's keen interest to support Bahrain's efforts to combat terrorism. HRH Premier made the remarks as he received at the Gudaibiya Palace today the newly-appointed UK Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin, to whom he pledged that he will receive all necessary support from all government departments so as to facilitate his diplomatic work. HRH the Prime Minister expressed pride in the outstanding relations bonding the two countries for about 200 years, highlighting the importance of the visits of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Britain in opening up new horizons of bilateral cooperation. HRH the Prime Minister discussed with the UK envoy ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic fields, as well as local and regional issues. Ambassador Simon Martin extended sincere congratulations to HRH Premier on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Sustainable Development Award conferred on him by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stressing that the international honouring is a global recognition of the Premier's success in harnessing ICT in achieving sustainable developments and improving the services delivered to the citizens. The UK ambassador affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain deals with terror threats that jeopardize its security and stability just like other countries of the world do, stressing that countries have the right to defend the aspirations of their citizens to live in secure and stable atmosphere through eradicating terrorism which is considered the most serious infringement on human rights.