Bahrain and the United Kingdom pledged to increase economic and security cooperation at Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad’s meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street on Thursday.
The Crown Prince stressed Britain’s strategic and essential role in regional security and stability and in developing bilateral cooperation in the military, in the economy, and in trade.
“The bilateral partnership between the two countries is based on opening wider horizons for the development of solid relations at all levels, in a manner that reflects the aspirations of the two countries,” Prince Hamad said during the meeting.
“They reflected on the close and historic partnership between the UK and Bahrain and agreed to further strengthen our economic, security and diplomatic cooperation,” told in a statement released by Downing Street. According to this, the two leaders also discussed the worldwide campaign to eradicate COVID-19, support for international pandemic efforts, and expanding collaboration on green technologies and the transition to renewable energy.
King Hamad’s greetings were also sent to Queen Elizabeth II by Prince Salman, who met with Prince Charles.
The United Kingdom is attempting to reach a new trade agreement with the Gulf countries, either bilaterally through individual states or collectively through the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is considered that this meeting happened for this purpose.
The date of this meeting was not publicized in advance by the Foreign Office or Downing Street. After meeting with top Bahraini officials in Downing Street to seek a free trade agreement with the Gulf nations, Boris Johnson has been accused of putting trade above torture by human rights groups.
