HM King hails efforts of British parliamentarians to boost bilateral relations

London, Oct. 26 (BNA): The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain announces that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a delegation of members of the Bahrain All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC) at his residence in London this afternoon and discussed the relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom and highlighting the opportunities to develop a long standing friendship further. His Majesty King Hamad welcomed the delegation and noted that the United Kingdom has been a friend and ally of Bahrain for over two hundred years. His Majesty discussed some vital issues affecting the two nations with the distinguished Parliamentarians, adding that Bahrain will continue to be a loyal friend to the UK including hosting the largest Royal Navy facility outside of the UK. Conor Burns MP, Chairman of the Bahrain APPG said: " We touched on a number of issues of mutual interest in our meeting with His Majesty, King Hamad, including the UK’s historic friendship with Bahrain as well as common security issues, economic and trade ties and opening of our new naval base in Bahrain next month. Bahrain has been Britain’s ally for more than 200 years. The ties that have developed since then led to Bahrain being one of Britain’s most dependable friends in the Middle East. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Bahrain All Party Parliamentary Group who has visited the country on a number of occasions, I am in a good position to say that Bahrain, from the beginning of its relationship with the UK in 1816, has evolved into the most liberal and progressive society in the Arab world. It has led the way on women’s rights, freedom of worship and creating a tolerant, diverse community. On behalf of CMEC Nadhim Zahawi, MP, added "I was delighted meet with His Majesty the King of Bahrain today. The UK and Bahrain have a strong and historic relationship, recently strengthened by the inauguration of HMS Juffair last year at the port at Mina Salman. I enjoyed discussing this with His Majesty, as well as other UK interests relevant to the region." Earlier in the day, the APPG had met and held their annual general meeting. They held their leadership elections, re-electing Conor Burns MP as their Chair and electing a new board of directors. At the conclusion of the meeting His Majesty the King welcomed the new members of the Parliamentary Group and the announcement of its renaming to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Friends of Bahrain , which reflects the long standing friendship and relationship between the two nations and their people and also wished them success.