UK delegation lauds reforms

A UK parliamentary delegation, headed by Sir Alan Duncan, participated in the 11th session of the Manama Dialogue here expressed its admiration of the forum. The delegation said it represented the openness and tolerance of Bahrain and its capability to host such an important international event that emphasised dialogue as a means to reinforce security in the region and the world.

Sir Duncan, a Conservative Party politician, is a Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, applauded Bahrain for hosting such an important international event. “The entire UK delegation was thoroughly impressed by the conference. The Manama Dialogue is a fantastic reflection of Bahrain as it displays openness and tolerance by bringing international delegations together,” he remarked.

“It allowed us to discuss important global issues as well as seeing Bahrain as it really is. I was here during the troubles n 2011 when the overall mood was tense. It is obviously very different today and this is most encouraging and welcoming,” Duncan commented. “The government of Bahrain has made great strides in its reform initiatives and reconciliation.”

He added: “All of my fellow British colleagues will make sure that anyone in the UK criticising Bahrain unfairly will find us telling the truth in response. Unfortunately there is a lot of ignorance in the UK with regard to this region and we intend to stand firmly against ill-informed criticism. The greatest misconception about Bahrain is the concept of a ‘second class Shia citizen.”