UK-Bahrain Working Group discusses reform progress

Manama : Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday held discussions with Alistair Burt, UK’s Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa. The meeting, held as part of the UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group discussed a wide range of issues including recent political and security developments in the Middle East, co-operation on key trade and investment opportunities, and co-operation and assistance on defence, security, education, science and innovation. Officials from Bahrain and the UK participated in the discussions.

The Working Group also discussed the progress on a number of Bahrain’s reform initiatives, and its plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR). 

Welcomed

The UK welcomed the positive steps taken by the Government of Bahrain recently, including the introduction of new legislation on alternatives to detention, and a Unified Family Law that gives women and children across all communities extended rights under civil law. 

He outlined UK’s commitment to support the Government of Bahrain to build on its progress on reform and human rights issues such as the creation of the human rights oversight bodies and the development of effective and accountable justice institutions. 

The UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group was established in March 2013. It is a forum for discussing issues of mutual interest across the bilateral relationship, including regional and trade issues, with a focus on reforms and human rights.