Bahraini interior minister receives Alistair Burt

Minister of Interior Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received today the British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt. The minister affirmed that this visit comes within the framework of bolstering deep-rooted historic relations between the two countries, pointing out Bahrain's international role and efforts in maintaining regional and global security and stability. The minister also reviewed the security situation in the kingdom as well as procedures taken by the security authorities to confront acts of terror and vandalism, stressing that the security forces are performing their duties in line with international security standards. He said Bahrain has been able to contain the security situation and is now rebounding. The Interior Minister affirmed that Bahrain is the country of democracy and reform in which human rights and freedom are respected and protected. These values, he added, are deeply inherent in the Arab and Islamic identity as well as Bahrain's culture and traditions. He pointed out HM the King's initiative to resume the National Consensus Dialogue, which is currently being held with the participation of a number of government's representatives, political societies, and MPs. This, he said, affirms the democratic process and the desire to agree on national pillars. He also reviewed the Interior Ministry's strategy in developing and modernizing the security sectors by implementing the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI. The Interior Minister added the Interior Ministry has established the Ombudsman Office, the first of its kind in GCC countries, the Middle East and North Africa, which is in charge of receiving complaints against Public Security personnel. The meeting also spotlighted the importance of maintaining cooperation and exchanging expertise and views between the two countries, especially in the field of security and combating terrorism. The meeting was attended by the British ambassador, Interior Ministry Inspector General, Secretary General of the office of the Ombudsman, Interior Ministry Court Director General and Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs.