Liverpool:Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, along with embassy diplomats, attended the UK Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool held from September 27 to 30.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed met with several senior British officials and Members of Parliament, including Ed Miliband, Foreign Secretary; Wes Streeting, Defence Secretary; and Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Wales. The meetings addressed Iranian attacks on Bahrain and other regional countries, as well as the UK's support for regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.
During Bahrain's presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the embassy organized a discussion focusing on UK-Gulf relations and regional developments in light of the Iranian attacks. The discussion emphasized the protection of freedom of navigation and maritime security. It was attended by Stephen Doughty, Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, along with the ambassadors of the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, MP Alex Ballinger, and over 100 political and diplomatic figures.
On the conference's sidelines, the embassy also hosted the annual Arab Ambassadors' Council reception in London. Discussions at the reception included Arab-British ties, Gulf security, peace efforts, and economic cooperation.
Minister Doughty reiterated the UK's commitment to strengthening ties with the GCC and supporting diplomatic efforts for peace and a two-state solution. Lord Sarwar emphasized the potential benefits of a UK-GCC free trade agreement in expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation.