Bahrain counter-terrorism efforts highlighted

London, July 22 (BNA): As part of an official visit to the UK by Chief of Public Security Major-General Taraq Al Hassan, the Bahrain-UK security cooperation group has held the sixth meeting in London. It was attended by British Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin and representatives of various security authorities from both sides. The meeting spotlighted existing security cooperation and methods to develop them, in addition to future cooperation projects in public security, counter-terrorism and technical training assistance to exchange expertise. It also cast light on ways of fighting the spread of explosives, reinforcement of airport security, emergency planning, police aviation and cyber security. The Chief of Public Security briefed the audience on the latest security situation and the modernisation process backed by the Interior Minister that has contributed to reducing crime rates and boosting counter-terrorism capability of the Interior Ministry. The meeting also reviewed fighting sexual exploitation of children and promoting cooperation, especially after Bahrain’s joining of “We Protect” Global Alliance to End Online Child Sexual Exploitation. Major General Taraq Al Hassan expressed appreciation to the UK for listing outlawed Bahraini groups as terrorist organisations after committing terrorist acts in Bahrain. He described the move as a proactive counter-terrorism step, pointing out the terrorist crimes Bahrain is facing which are orchestrated by fugitive terrorist elements in Iran. He underlined the vital role of Bahrain in reinforcing regional and international joint counter-terrorism work. The Public Security Chief also held a meeting with the UK Aviation Minister Baroness Elizabeth Sugg to discuss cooperation and exchange expertise in the aviation security field. He visited the Gatwick Airport and was briefed about its security and safety operations. He was also informed about modern searching devices at the air cargo and luggage sections. He was also briefed about plans and training programmes that the UK Transportation Ministry will offer to the employees of the Bahrain International Airport Police Directorates. (MOI)