The inaugural strategic dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, which took place in the British capital on Tuesday, issued the following statement:
London, October 31 (BNA): In London, Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the United Nations at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, along with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Bahrain, jointly chaired the first session of the UK-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue. This dialogue was formerly known as the Bahrain-UK Joint Working Group.
The decision to rename it reflects the profound and strategic relationship and the significance of this biannual ministerial forum between our two countries.
The two ministers examined key areas of cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting the shared history and strong interpersonal connections that underpin this partnership. They also reviewed the outcomes of the visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in July 2023. This visit led to the signing of a Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership aimed at facilitating additional investments of over £1 billion into the UK. This initiative supports the diversification of Bahrain’s economy and fosters increased collaboration between our countries in clean technology, business services, and manufacturing.
Conversations during the Strategic Dialogue encompassed various bilateral and regional subjects, including human rights, security and defense cooperation, as well as mutual trade and investment opportunities. Several foreign policy issues were also deliberated.
Regarding the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza, the Ministers called for the immediate release of all hostages and condemned all violence against civilians. They emphasized the importance of all parties adhering to International Humanitarian Law, including taking every possible precaution to minimize harm to civilians. The Ministers also appealed for a humanitarian pause to enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to those civilians in Gaza who need it the most. They welcomed the GCC’s announcement of an additional $100 million, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Humanitarian Campaign’s announcement of over $18 million in aid, and the UK’s £30 million in additional humanitarian aid. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that ensures justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. They are actively collaborating with partners to promote adherence to International Humanitarian Law and regional stability.
Regarding Russia-Ukraine, the Ministers underscored the necessity of achieving a just and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter. They also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding Ukraine's ports and grain infrastructure to ensure Ukraine can continue to export its agricultural produce. Additionally, they expressed their support for all efforts aimed at facilitating the export of grains and all food and humanitarian items to ensure global food security.