Bahrain’s embassy to the UK marks national days

London.16 (BNA): The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, hosted an event in the Lancaster House in the United Kingdom, on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's national celebrations on 16 and 17 December, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini state as an Arab and Muslim country founded by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783, the 47th anniversary of its full membership in the United Nations, and the 19th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. The event was attended by Minister for Defence, Tobias Ellwood, former Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon, and Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, Fabian Hamilton. A number of British ministers, senior British government officials, members of the House of Commons, lords, ambassadors, diplomats accredited to the UK, businessmen, journalists and friends of the Kingdom of Bahrain also attended the event, which reflects the long-standing and solid relationship between the two countries. On this special occasion, the Bahraini Ambassador delivered a speech in which he noted the outstanding reform and democratic approach of the Kingdom, highlighting the success of the recent parliamentary and municipal elections 2018, with a participation rate of 67%, reaching the highest percentage of turnouts in the history of the Kingdom. The Ambassador also reviewed the pioneering role of Bahraini women in this democratic process, affirming his pride in the huge number of female participation in the parliamentary and municipal elections, which serves the interests of the country. He also highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pride in becoming the first Arab country to achieve Tier 1 Status in the US State Department Report Trafficking in Persons Report, making it equal to the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany in receiving this status. The Minister for Defence, Tobias Ellwood, extended his sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain, while the former Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon, added that the Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the oldest friends and allies of the UK, and the Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, Fabian Hamilton commended the Kingdom’s significant role in the world, stressing that it is a very important ally to the UK. The event also included a number of Bahraini dishes served by Bahraini Chef, Noor Murad. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority also participated in the event of the Embassy through a number of entertainment and promotional programs, which received the admiration of the audience.