Bahrain's Interior Minister receives US FDD delegation

Manama, Nov. 27 (BNA): Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received here today a US delegation from the Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD), chaired by its founder and President Clifford D. May.  The meeting was also attended by Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan. The Interior Minister welcomed the guests' visit that comes as part of efforts to exchange views and experiences in security protection and international peace and reinforce cooperation ties between the two friendly countries.  He highlighted the importance of the research and analyses of the FDD on national security and foreign policies.  The minister stressed that the democratic life of Bahrain, including the parliamentary and municipal elections held on November 24, had been spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He asserted that the Kingdom would continue its reform and justice approach. The delegation was informed about the efforts of the Interior Ministry to develop and modernise all security sectors as part of its ongoing determination to protect the security and general safety of the public.  The meeting also discussed future security cooperation and coordination and topics of common interest.  The Chief of Public Security briefed the delegation about the peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity in the Kingdom. He highlighted the rich and long history of Bahrain's police, security efforts to tackle Iran-backed terrorism and its role in targeting youth and interfering in the internal affairs of Bahrain. He also reviewed the importance of security cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and the US and joint work to exchange expertise.