Manama: Bahrain and the United Kingdom further solidified their cooperative relationship as the Interior Ministries of both nations held a Joint Security Working Group meeting. The meeting, chaired by Lieutenant General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Police of Bahrain, and Mark Challen, Home Office Deputy Director of International Strategies of the UK, was conducted via video conference. It included the participation of Major General Mohammed Abdullah Al Harram, Assistant Chief of Police for Operations and Training, and other representatives from both countries' security sectors.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting emphasized the longstanding relationship between Bahrain and the UK, focusing on enhancing cooperation and coordination in multiple security areas. Discussions centered on sharing expertise and experiences, capacity building in police work, combating terrorism and its financing, academic programme development, as well as aviation and maritime security. Further topics included cybercrimes, border security, customs, open prisons, alternative sentencing, and recent regional developments.
The meeting also explored future collaboration opportunities to enhance the performance of security directorates, aligning with the Interior Ministry's strategic goals. Lt. Gen. Al Hassan expressed appreciation to Mark Challen and the UK Home Office for their ongoing support and efforts in promoting security cooperation. Both parties acknowledged the importance of translating their collaborative aspirations into practical outcomes.
Mark Challen highlighted the necessity of building upon the existing cooperation and the results achieved, aiming to develop and advance these efforts to fulfill the agreed objectives. The meeting underscored the mutual interests and benefits that such international collaboration brings to both nations.