UK parliamentary delegation stresses reinforcing cooperation to face joint challenges

Manama, Jan 26 (BNA): A UK parliamentary delegation this week visited Bahrain to attend the 2016 Bahrain International Air Show and hold meetings with the Government of Bahrain’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior. During their visit, Members of the Conservative Middle East Council, an organisation that ensures Conservative Members of Parliament are well informed about developments within the Middle East, praised Bahrain’s domestic security reforms and Bahrain’s position as a longstanding ally to the United Kingdom. Leo Docherty, the Director of the Conservative Middle East Council, said: "Our meeting with the Minister of Defence, gave us a very good insight into the very, very important strategic defence relationship that exists between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom" and that "Bahraini security is British security." Docherty went on to say that "Bahrain remains a stable ally in the Gulf region and we really look forward to this cooperation and this relationship continuing for many years to come. When we spoke to the Interior Minister, we discussed all the various measures and reforms that have taken place within the Bahraini security services, and we were very, very impressed by the reforms, and we look to the on-going cooperation between the Bahraini and the British police to ensure that the highest professional standards are observed." MP Bob Stewart said that during the delegation’s visit the Ministry of the Interior had "explained the threat that was being faced by Bahrain from terrorism both from within and without" and that he was "alarmed to see the range of weapons that are actually being smuggled into this country." MP David Jones said "The visit to the Ministry of Interior was exceptionally informative It is quite clear that the Bahraini authorities have carried out significant reforms over the last four years and I was particularly pleased to see that they are doing so in collaboration with the British authorities, most particularly putting in place audio-visual recording of interviews and, very importantly, the Office of the Ombudsman." Mark Menzies, MP said he welcomed the opportunity to attend the Bahrain International Air Show as one of the centerpieces of the air show was the presence of the Royal Airforce and the Typhoon fighter, which is manufactured in his constituency alongside the Hawk Trainer. He said, "The Typhoon is important as it is a symbol of the key strategic defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Bahrain. We often talk about the historic relationship and this year we are in the 200th anniversary of that relationship. But it is not so much about history, it is about the future and it is about looking at some of the key challenges that we face together." MP Charlotte Leslie added "It was really impressive to see the increasing collaboration of British companies and the companies present [at the air show], but what would stay with me perhaps over everything I have learned and all the fascinating thins we have had is just how hospitable and generous the Bahraini people have been in welcoming us."