HM King hails historic UK ties

Manama, Oct.27 (BNA): HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa hailed deep-rooted historic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, lauding longstanding alliance, cooperation and coordination, particularly in the political, defence and military fields. HM the King made the statement as he received this evening, at Al-Sakhir Palace, Minister of State for the Middle East, the Right Honourable Alistair Burt MP, Minister for Defence, People and Veterans, The Right Honourable Tobias Ellwood MP, Simon Martin CMG, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, General Sir Christopher Deverell, Commander of the Joint Forces Command (CJFC) and Dominic Wilson, Director General Security Policy, Ministry of Defence. HM the King welcomed the UK delegation and reviewed with them strong relations binding the two countries, stressing Bahrain’s keenness on further bolstering bilateral ties towards serving shared goals and interests. He commended the pivotal UK-led role in regional and international arenas as well constructive efforts and contributions to strengthening global security and stability, which are also supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting highlighted regional and international developments, in addition to current issues on the agenda of the Manama Dialogue. HM the King underlined Bahrain’s foreign policy which stressed the importance of strengthening regional and international security and peace. He said that Bahrain hosts the important IISS Manama Dialogue, out of firm belief in the importance of dialogue, being the most viable and successful means to achieve people’s aspirations and find efficient solutions and positive paths to confronting current challenges. The UK Minister of State for the Middle East valued the efforts led by HM the King to strengthen strong historic relations of friendship and consolidate military and defence cooperation between the two friendly countries. He hailed the role of the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as contributions to supporting regional security and peace.