UK Conservatives stress Bahrain's reforms, closer ties

Manama, Oct. 27 (BNA): UK Members of Parliament have lauded their meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in London, saying that it was a great opportunity to discuss ways to bolster the distinguished relations between the two kingdoms and paying rich tribute to Bahrain. "We touched on a number of issues of mutual interest in our meeting with His Majesty King Hamad, including the UK’s historic friendship with Bahrain as well as common security issues, economic and trade ties and the opening of our new naval base in Bahrain," MP Connor Burns, Bournemouth West, Chairman of the Bahrain All Party Parliamentary Group, said. "Bahrain has been Britain’s ally for more than 200 years. The ties that have developed since then led to Bahrain being one of Britain’s most dependable friends in the Middle East. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Bahrain All Party Parliamentary Group who has visited the country on a number of occasions, I am in a good position to say that Bahrain, from the beginning of its relationship with the UK in 1816, has evolved into the most liberal and progressive society in the Arab world. It has led the way on women’s rights, freedom of worship and creating a tolerant, diverse community." Baroness Morris of Bolton hailed the meeting as "excellent" "As well as an excellent meeting with His Majesty today, I am happy to say that the University of Bolton has signed an MoU with Bahrain and the Advanced Performance Engineering Department to build a centre at the university," she said. MP Paul Scully, Sutton and Cheam, said he was pleased to meet HM the King. "During this year of the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between our two countries, it has been a pleasure to mark this occasion by meeting with the King and continuing the development of friendship, speaking on trade, security, and other issues of mutual interest," he said. Lord Kilclooney welcomed the reforms launched in Bahrain in cooperation with the Northern Ireland police. "My wife and I have gone privately to Bahrain on holiday and I discussed with His Majesty how pleased I am that the Northern Ireland Police are assisting with the reform of the Police in Bahrain," he said. Baroness Uddin welcomed the meeting as "a great opportunity for British parliamentarians to discuss with His Majesty Bahrain’s role in the Gulf and the progress Bahrain is making for all its citizens." MP Bob Stewart, Beckenham, highlighted the steady growth of defense ties between the two kingdoms. "I visited Bahrain as an army officer and I think it is a wonderful country. I am very pleased that our defense relationship has gone from strength to strength," he said. MP Mark Menzies, Fylde, highlighted the gracious welcome extended to HM the King in London. "As someone who had the privilege to attend Bahrain Air Show in January of this year, I am delighted that His Majesty has been hosted in London. I know London will have been as hospitable to the King during the visit as he was to us at that time," he said. MP Nadhim Zahawi, Stratford on Avon, shared his delight over the meeting with HM the King. "I was delighted to meet with His Majesty the King of Bahrain today. The UK and Bahrain have a string and historic relationship, recently strengthened by the inauguration of HMS Juffair last year at the port at Mina Salman. I enjoyed discussing this with His Majesty, as well as other UK interests relevant to the region," he said. MP Charlotte Leslie, Bristol North West, looked forward to consolidating bilateral relations. "It was an enormous honour to have the opportunity to miss His Majesty today and always good to continue to cement our extremely good relations," she said. Leo Docherty, the Director of the Conservative Middle East Council, said the meeting afforded a good opportunity to discuss the important and long standing strategic alliance between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. "This relationship is of unique importance to both countries and His Majesty’s visit has provided a useful opportunity to discuss a great deal of common ground which we share," he said.