HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of Bahrain, attended the signing of a defence cooperation agreement bonding Bahrain and the UK.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa sealed the deal with Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond at the headquarters of the British Defence Ministry last week.

On this occasion, Prince Salman welcomed the signing of the agreement, adding that the deal would usher in wider horizons for bilateral military and defence cooperation.

He stressed the importance of the deal that crowns HRM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s successful visits, which contributed to bolstering bilateral relations and expanding the scope of joint cooperation.

He also hailed the military cooperation agreement as mirroring deep-rooted historic relations bonding Bahrain and the UK.

Prince Salman said that Bahrain considers the UK as a key strategic ally, adding that both countries aspire to maintain regional security and stability, promote respect for sovereignty and mutual interests.

Prince Salman underscored the pivotal role played by the UK in consolidating security in the Gulf region.

The agreement aims at consolidating military cooperation between Bahrain and the UK and maintaining security and stability in Bahrain and the region, in addition to providing backing for Bahrain to stave off any external aggression threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under the deal, the two sides pledge to promote cooperation in all fields, including exchanging intelligence and visits, training, education, scientific and technical cooperation and joint training.

The ceremony was also attended by Royal Court Follow-up Minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Ateyatallah Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince’s Court Chief Sheikh Khalifa bin Daij Al-Khalifa and Bahrain Ambassador to the UK Alice Samaan.

Source: Bahrain News Agency – BNA