HRH Premier receives British parliamentary delegation

Manama, Dec. 6. (BNA) – His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that Bahrain had built solid ties with Britain, expressing hope the two friendly countries will build on their long-standing ties through enhancing "fruitful" cooperation. "We have always been, and will remain friends, with joint interests and relations," he said. He called for the need not to leave any legislative and technical loopholes through which terrorism can penetrate, stressing that "security should prevail, and interference in domestic affairs should stop because it helps terrorism to grow." He welcomed all kinds of cooperation, particularly those that contribute to consolidating security and stability. He made the statements as he received here today a delegation of UK Lords and MPs, currently on a visit to the kingdom to take part in the 10th IISS regional security summit –the "Manama Dialogue". HRH Premier lauded the Bahraini-British relations, stressing that they are historical, and will continue to develop in light of the two countries' cooperation in various fields. He emphasised that the two countries agree on the security and stability priorities in the Middle East, and the need to enhance dialogue and international partnership to boost development. He welcomed the UK parliamentary delegation's participation in the tenth Manama Dialogue, which, he said, reflects Britain's interest in regional and global security issues. He highlighted the importance of exchanging visits between the Legislative Branches in both countries to exchange views and allow Bahrain to avail of the UK's deep-rooted parliamentary experience. Members of the British parliamentary delegation lauded the advanced level of bilateral relations, and the steady growth of joint cooperation in all fields. They also praised the military agreement signed between the two countries on the sidelines of the IISS regional security summit. They also congratulated HRH Premier on the success of the recent parliamentary and municipal elections in the kingdom, describing it as a step forward in Bahrain's democratic march.