Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

King Hamad Invites Theresa May to Join GCC Summit | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55361057
Caption:

British Prime Minister Theresa May (L) greets King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa outside 10 Downing Street in London on October 26, 2016. (Niklas Halle’n/AFP/Getty Images)


London-The visit of the King of Bahrain, Hamad Al Khalifa, to UK is of huge importance, contributing to reinforcing long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said that the visit will develop strategic relations among the GCC countries and the UK in a way that serves both parties’ interests. He added that the king’s discussions in London reflected gratitude for the development accomplished between the two countries and renewed mutual concern to diversify security and economic cooperation to reach an advanced level in terms of bilateral relations.

The visit also tackled development steps and reconciliation efforts led by King Hamad in addition to the UK commitment to ensure the Gulf security.

During the king’s visit, he convened with the GCC ambassadors to the UK. Saudi ambassador to London Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz revealed that King Hamad informed them of the meeting outcomes with Queen Elizabeth II.

According to Prince Mohammed, King Hamad is looking forward to Prime Minister Theresa May’s participation in the GCC summit which will be held in Bahrain in December.

Some British deputies stressed the importance of the king’s visit, considering it essential for discussing possible ways to strengthen Bahrain-UK unique relations.

Former MP Alistair Burt said that he visited Bahrain a couple of times before, hailing the solid relations between the two countries. Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi said that the relation between two countries is historical and tight –It was also lately reinforced via the navy military facilitations in the Juffair.