Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, met with the Rt Hon Ed Miliband, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Dr. Al Zayani extended his congratulations to Miliband on his appointment under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new UK Government, highlighting the enduring friendship between Bahrain and the UK and expressing hopes for Miliband's success and the UK's continued prosperity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Miliband welcomed Dr. Al Zayani as the first international foreign minister to visit him at the Foreign Office since taking office. He reiterated the UK's commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination with Bahrain and showed solidarity with Bahrain regarding its measures against Iranian attacks targeting its territory.
The discussion between the two ministers focused on the Bahrain-UK strategic partnership, exploring avenues to further expand bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). They reviewed the outcomes of the Bahrain-UK Strategic Dialogue and existing agreements to support mutual interests and regional security.
They also shared perspectives on regional developments, particularly the impact of Iranian attacks on Bahrain and neighboring states and the implications of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz on maritime navigation, international trade, and the global economy. The talks included prospects for closer coordination during Bahrain's tenure on the United Nations Security Council.
Both parties emphasized the need for regional and international efforts to reduce tensions and resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. They highlighted the UK's role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and lauded the UK-France-led maritime mine countermeasures coalition's efforts in the area. The necessity to protect the security, safety, and freedom of navigation through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, was affirmed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade and energy and food supplies.
The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, along with a delegation.