His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, yesterday affirmed Bahrain’s resolve and cooperation with the British government and the international community in combating the phenomenon of terrorism which, he said, threatened the stability and safety of nations and communities.
Speaking during his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, at the latter’s residence at 10 Downing Street in London, HM the King praised the courageous stance of Blair and his government in facing up to the terrorist attacks, and the intelligent manner in which they dealt with the tragedy and its side-effects on the Britons from all sects and communities.
King Hamad expressed his pride with the partnership with Britain which, he said, was based on democratic values, a responsible freedom as well as peaceful coexistence with other cultures.
HM the King thanked Blair and his government for their support for the political and economic reforms Bahrain was witnessing, and expressed his hope for constant support in various areas of bilateral cooperation, especially related to investment and trade.
A joint communiqué issued after a meeting between HM the King and Blair, said that in the face of the recent terrorist attacks in London, the two countries unreservedly condemned acts of terrorism wherever they occurred. “The UK and Bahrain recognise that only a comprehensive and global approach to combating the threat posed by international terrorism will be successful.”
The communiqué said that “both sides will work hard to ensure that the voice of mainstream Islam is heard worldwide. We reject the perversion of the peaceful religion of Islam which seeks to justify terrorism.”
Blair welcomed Bahrain’s decision to host the second ‘IISS Gulf Dialogue’ from December 2-4, organised by the London-based Inter-national Institute for Strategic Studies, given the opportunities such a dialogue offers participating governments to consult and further develop sound policies for regional security.
At a joint Press conference with Blair, HM the King said, in reply to a question on the role Bahrain could play with regard to those who, in the name of Islam, tried to create a rift between the East and the West, that communication between Bahrain and world countries was important, along with exchange of viewpoints and talks on what would benefit all.
