HRH Premier praises advanced military ties with Britain

Manama, Feb. 11. (BNA) – His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that the region needs security and stability, which cannot be achieved by a country on its own, but through regional and international cooperation. He stressed that countries of the region should focus their efforts on development and distance themselves from the hotbeds of conflicts posing a threat to them. "Therefore, a more solid political and military cooperation is badly needed –now more than ever, to safeguard the region's security and maintain its stability," he said, explaining that "such cooperation includes combating terrorism." Meanwhile, HRH Premier welcomed increasing cooperation with Britain, as the best means to consolidate the long-standing Bahraini-UK relations and boost their joint interests. He voiced the stances as he received at the Gudaibiya Palace today the UK's Chief of the Naval staff of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir George Zambellas and his accompanying delegation. HRH Premier discussed with the delegation the existing Bahraini-British relations, and issues of mutual concern. HRH the Prime Minister hailed the advanced level of bilateral military cooperation and coordination, which he described as the fruitful outcome of the outstanding Bahraini-UK relations. HRH Premier lauded the key role played by the United Kingdom in maintaining regional and global security and stability, praising in this regard the contributions of the Royal Navy to efforts to safeguard regional security. Admiral Sir George Zambellas lauded the deep-rooted Bahraini-British relations, based on solid bases. He expressed satisfaction over the two friendly countries' mutual understanding on terrorism and the need for international cooperation to eradicate it. He stressed that the security of countries should come before everything else, reiterating his country's constant keenness to support the security and stability of its allies, as part of efforts to achieve global peace.