The UK remains committed to Bahrain’s role as the maritime co-ordination hub of the Gulf and regards any attack on the kingdom as an attack on British interests, according to a top diplomat.
Speaking during a Press roundtable, UK Ambassador Alastair Long affirmed his country’s support for Bahrain in these uncertain times and applauded the efforts of local authorities in ensuring the security of citizens and residents.
“The UK is serious about Bahrain’s role in being the maritime naval co-ordination hub of this region, and will always be committed to that,” Mr Long told the GDN.
“We will always be grateful to Bahrain for its role and we continue to work with the UK Royal Navy in support of Bahrain and this region.
“For us, an attack on a close ally like Bahrain, is an attack on the UK.”
The ambassador also extended his gratitude to the Bahrain Defence Force and the local authorities for keeping the kingdom safe and informed during uncertain times.
“I think they are doing a phenomenal job and if I were a Bahraini, I’d be beating my chest in pride of what my country folk are doing to protect the people of Bahrain and to keep them safe,” he added.
“The reason they are doing such a good job is because they’ve invested in contingency planning, crisis management, defensive capability and civil defence.
“The UK has played the smallest part in lending our experience and advice over the years, but the desire to invest in those areas and be ready has come from Bahrain.
“The way that they have organised themselves and done all this is a credit to them.”
He affirmed that currently the UK was in a ‘defensive posture’ in the region, noting that Royal Air Force (RAF) jets have been flying as part of sorties in the GCC.
On Monday, an RAF Typhoon operating with the joint UK-Qatar 12 Squadron shot down an Iranian one-way attack drone.
Mr Long also noted that advisers from the UK were working with authorities in the region, and providing support, particularly in counter-drone operations.
“Our Prime Minister has been clear that we are in this in a defensive posture and not a part of any offensive move against Iran,” he explained.
“A key part of our criteria for the use of our bases by the US is that they can only be used for defensive operations.”
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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