Crown Prince meets UK Foreign Secretary
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister met the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague today at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. During the meeting, His Royal Highness outlined Bahrain’s continuing commitment to reform and development, in parallel to, and in support of, the process of dialogue. He stressed the recognition that all these elements helped guarantee long-term stability.
On dialogue, His Royal Highness underscored the necessity of consensus, particularly in countries with pluralist and diverse societies, in order to keep development on a sustainable path. His Royal Highness stressed that all parties to the dialogue must assume the significant responsibility that the process requires, and seek to undertake their task with an eye on maintaining national unity.
On broader reform, His Royal Highness asserted that the pace of reform, led by His Majesty King Hamad, will not be affected by the pace of dialogue. He stressed that the Government is committed to reform and he highlighted several initiatives that have been taken towards enhancing development, justice and the rule of law. Looking at the relationship between Bahrain and the UK, His Royal Highness stressed that the UK is a vital ally to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the wider GCC.
He noted how the value provided through trade has been constant over many decades, with all sides committed to further enhancing this relationship. In conclusion, HRH commended the UK for its hosting of the World Islamic Economic Forum, the first time it has been held outside the Islamic world, noting how it underscored London’s status as a global centre for trade and commerce.
