HRH Crown Prince meets UK defence delegation

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today met the United Kingdom (UK)’s Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. Gavin Williamson MP, and the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, the Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP, on the sidelines of the 2017 Manama Dialogue.

His Royal Highness and the UK delegation discussed the historic ties between Bahrain and the UK, highlighting that both countries’ commitment to regular exchanges of visits only serves to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
His Royal Highness spoke of the complex challenges that the region faces, the threat posed by extremist groups and theocratic regimes
In this regard, His Royal Highness went on to stress Bahrain’s commitment to providing logistical and strategic support to international alliances combatting terrorism, including active participation in both the campaign against Da’esh and the Saudi-led coalition to restore stability and security in Yemen
His Royal Highness noted that Bahrain’s long-standing security cooperation with the UK is underscored by the UK Naval Support Facility located in Mina Salman Port, which plays and important role supporting regional security
The Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson MP highlighted the success of Bahrain’s economic development programme and diversification efforts, while affirming the UK’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties across trade and the economy
His Royal Highness and the UK delegation went on to discuss new opportunities to intensify cooperation across defence, intelligence and maritime security
The UK's Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Defence Senior Advisor Middle East, Lieutenant-General John Lorimer and former Defence Senior Advisor Middle East, Lieutenant-General Tom Beckett, were present during the meeting.