Bahrain committed to combatting terrorism

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister yesterday stressed Bahrain’s commitment to providing logistical and strategic support to international alliances combatting terrorism, including active participation in both the campaign against Da’esh and the Saudi-led coalition to restore stability and security in Yemen. 

HRH the Crown Prince was receiving the United Kingdom (UK)’s Secretary of State for Defence, 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.

His Royal Highness spoke of the complex challenges that the region faces, in particular, the threat posed by extremist groups and theocratic regimes. 

His Royal Highness noted that Bahrain’s long-standing security cooperation with the UK is underscored by the UK Naval Support Facility located in Mina Salman Port, which plays an important role supporting regional security. 

The Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson MP highlighted the success of Bahrain’s economic development programme and diversification efforts while affirming the UK’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties across trade and the economy. 

The UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Defence Senior Advisor Middle East, Lieutenant-General John Lorimer and former Defence Senior Advisor Middle East, Lieutenant-General Tom Beckett, were present during the meeting.

Separately, Prince Salman held meetings with the Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Teresa Carlson, and CEO of IronNet Cybersecurity, General Keith Alexander and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mobashar Jawed Akbar. 

HRH the Crown Prince, Teresa Carlson and Keith Alexander highlighted that Bahrain and the United States continue to develop strong public and private sector partnerships across a range of areas, including cybersecurity and ICT. 

They also discussed ways that cloud technology can strengthen cybersecurity, a crucial element of international efforts to eliminate terrorism and its illicit funding. 

Bahrain, India ties

During his meeting with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar, Prince Salman highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between international partners to counter the threat posed by extremist groups.

“Extremist ideologies and theocratic regimes have no place in a modern, developed society,” said Prince Salman praising India’s long-standing efforts in combatting terrorism and supporting peace and prosperity on the global level.

His Royal Highness and the Minister of State for External Affairs went on to discuss regional and international issues of common interest.

For his part, the Indian minister praised His Royal Highness’ important role in strengthening bilateral ties across various fields.