His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today received at Al-Sakhir Palace British Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. Gavin Williamson MP, and the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, the Rt. Hon Alistair Burt MP, on the sidelines of the 2017 Manama Dialogue.

HM the King welcomed the British officials, lauding deep-rooted historical relations and solid strategic partnership binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom.

He stressed keenness on expanding joint cooperation in all fields, particularly defence and military ties, hailing the UK-led role in maintaining regional and international security and stability.

The British Secretary of State for Defence expressed thanks and appreciation to HM the King and the Kingdom of Bahrain for the facilities provided to the British navy.

The two sides exchanged views regarding current regional and international developments and other issues of mutual interest.