Kingdom reiterates deep pride in growing UK ties

Bahrain has reiterated its deep pride in the strong and firm historical relations that extend for more than 200 years with the United Kingdom as well as its satisfaction with the significant progress in the bilateral co-operation that reflects the constant mutual desire to further the partnership towards even greater accomplishments.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain praises the United Kingdom’s pivotal role as a strategic ally and essential partner in maintaining security and promoting stability and peace in the region and the world at large,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “Following the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Kingdom of Bahrain expresses its aspiration to strengthen existing relations in all fields, to develop economic and commercial cooperation, and to intensify coordination on regional and international issues in accordance with the interests, and mutual benefit of our two countries and our people,” the ministry said.

The United Kingdom has left the European Union after almost half a century of membership, setting the stage for 11 months of potentially fraught talks that will determine whether the two sides can avert a chaotic divorce. There were no bongs from Big Ben to mark the moment of Britain’s departure from the bloc, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson still threw a party and a light show, while Brexit supporters held a rally in London’s Parliament Square.

In Brussels, officials removed the Union Jack flags outside the European Parliament building, saving one to be stored in a museum of EU history. After 1,317 days of unprecedented political turmoil triggered by the Brexit referendum, the UK is now legally out. “If we can get this right, I believe that with every month that goes by, we will grow in confidence not just at home but abroad,” Johnson said in a speech filmed by his office and released to media organisations.

“I know that we can turn this opportunity into a stunning success.” Johnson led the pro-Brexit campaign that delivered that 2016 vote to leave the EU. While Friday represents the culmination of that process, his work is far from over. He must now negotiate a comprehensive trade deal with the EU by the year-end. Until agreement is reached, businesses will still have to grapple with many of the uncertainties of a no-deal Brexit