UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Bahrain on Saturday to start the construction of a new Royal Navy facility.

Mina Salman Port will play a central role in the Royal Navy’s ability to operate in the region, and reaffirms the UK’s determination to work with Bahrain to maintain security and stability in the Gulf.

This facility will give the UK an enhanced and permanent presence in the region, allowing longer-term deployments in the Gulf.

The Foreign Secretary was joined at the ceremony by Royal Navy personnel, who watched the first spades go into the ground against a backdrop of HMS Bangor, a minehunter, and RFA Cardigan Bay.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Foreign Secretary said "the beginning of construction work at Mina Salman Port marks a watershed moment in the UK’s commitment to the region."

"The new facility will enable Britain to work with our allies to reinforce stability in the Gulf and beyond," he added

Source: MENA