Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday met UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Ed Miliband in London.
Dr Al Zayani congratulated Miliband on his appointment in the new British government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, praising the deep-rooted friendship between Bahrain and the UK and the steady growth of relations.
Miliband welcomed Dr Al Zayani as the first international foreign minister to visit him at the Foreign Office since taking office, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to strengthening co-operation with Bahrain and expressing solidarity with the kingdom over the Iranian attacks on its territory.
The two ministers reviewed the Bahrain-UK strategic partnership and discussed ways to deepen co-operation under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), building on the outcomes of the joint strategic dialogue and existing bilateral agreements to advance shared interests and reinforce regional security.
They also exchanged views on regional developments, including the impact of Iranian attacks on Bahrain and neighbouring countries, Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its consequences for maritime navigation, international trade and the global economy.
The ministers discussed prospects for closer co-ordination during Bahrain’s membership of the UN Security Council.
Both sides stressed the importance of intensified efforts to reduce tensions and resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
They also underlined the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, praising the UK- and France-led coalition conducting mine-clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting was attended by Bahrain’s Ambassador to the UK Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation.
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