Bahraini-UK relations highlighted

Manama, Feb. 20 (BNA): Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal today received Lord George Robertson and praised the strong longstanding relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. The Speaker pointed out the UK’s honourable supportive stances towards Bahrain to maintain its security and stability, support for countering terrorism and extremism and promoting international peace. She highlighted the many development achievements realized by Bahrain thanks to the royal reforms, noting the progress made at the economic level, women’s empowerment and the respect for human rights. Lord Robertson praised the development achievements seen by various fields, which accentuated Bahrain’s international standing. He lauded the women’s empowerment initiatives and principle of equal opportunities, welcoming the election of a Bahraini woman to chair the parliament, which is a vital step against discrimination against women. He also welcomed Bahrain’s efforts to promote human rights under the royal reforms that enhance freedom of opinion and expression and brought democratic achievements.