UK supports Bahrain’s reform programme: Tobias
Manama
The United Kingdom would continue to provide support to Bahrain’s ambitious reform programme, with a particular focus on strengthening human rights and the rule of law where there is still significant work needed to be done, said Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Tobias Ellwood.
He was speaking to the reporters yesterday in a press conference at British Embassy premises. He said he was pleased to see that UK expertise continue to help to make a real difference.
The British Ambassador to Bahrain, who was also present at the occasion, said that three years ago there was no reform programme in Bahrain but by now, many have been introduced.
Ellwood was on his visit to Bahrain for the fifth meeting of the UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group. The group was established in March 2013 to discuss issues of mutual interest across the bilateral relationship, including regional and trade issues, with a focus on reform and human rights.
He met Crown Prince HRH prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior Lt General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and a number of representatives from parliament, political societies, as well as local civil society and human rights activists.
Responding to a question by DT News, he said that the challenge of 21st century is the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which could not be dealt without the united efforts. “In order to defeat ISIS, we need to change their ideology,” he added.
Responding to a question whether the plans to build a UK base in Bahrain is by any case lead to the shifting of US navy base from here, he said the US navy base would remain and the importance of the American 5th Fleet could not be undermined by any way. Both the bases will operate side by side, he added.
Ellwood said that Britian and Bahrain had long historical relations and there were 7500 British expats working here in different sectors.
Ellwood and Sheikh Khalid, together with officials from Bahrain and the UK discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including co-operation on key trade and investment opportunities. They exchanged views on recent political and security developments within the Middle East and agreed to maintain an open dialogue on this. Co-operation and assistance on defence, security and counter-terrorism were also discussed.
The Joint Working Group discussed progress on the implementation of the recommendations by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry Report (BICI) and UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Steps have been taken to strengthen police accountability and build oversight mechanisms across the criminal justice system.
UK remains committed to providing support and practical assistance to Bahrain’s reform programme, this will include support on reforms of the youth justice system, court administration and further capacity building for key institutions such as the Ombudsman’s office.
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