In a panel interview the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the Ambassador said the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoys a high reputation as a financial and trading hub in the Gulf region, thanks to its open and developed economic climate.
He revealed that there are new British companies who would like to come and invest in the Kingdom of Bahrain over the next few months in view of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s stability and good reputation as a financial, trading and economic center in the Gulf region and because of freedom and economic openness.
He explained that the priorities in economic terms are represented in seeking to promote trade and investment relations between the two countries, noting the presence of British companies in Bahrain and their willingness to contribute to the Bahrain’s advancement, progress and development.
The ambassador said that he would coordinate with the Economic Development Board to attract more businesses during the planned road show in London, Manchester and Birmingham, emphasizing that it would benefit the two countries.
He added that although there are a number of British companies in Bahrain, there is a need for more companies and investments, expressing his country’s desire to help the Kingdom in the areas of education and training, stressing that Britain has internationally reputable universities, schools and vocational training institutes.
The ambassador stressed his country’s interest to assist Kingdom in developing its infrastructure in the areas of transport, education and training, also stressed his desire to see Bahraini businessmen making London their base for European investment, especially in the banking industry.
The British envoy hailed the recent speech of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Monarch of the Bahrain on the occasion of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, stressing that his country welcomed its contents.
The British ambassador said that the contents of that speech, are signals denoting tolerance, reconciliation and dialogue, and the need to learn from the lessons of the past and he hailed the pardon extended by His Majesty the Kingdom in that speech which was a source of welcome by all people across the political spectrum in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He asserted that the historical relations that have existed between both friendly countries makes it imperative on the United Kingdom to help Bahrain surmount the present stage in the aftermath of recent unfortunate events and expressed his country’s readiness to help the Kingdom of Bahrain in order proceed in its progressive political and economic reformation path, in which has already made remarkable progress over the last ten years.
The ambassador also confirmed that the maritime relations between both friendly countries are of great importance to Britain, adding that the ties that bind the two countries had never been disrupted at any time since it began in the distant past and will always continue to exist.
He expressed his utmost gratitude to Bahrain to allow Britain to use the naval base in Juffair, emphasizing that it enabled British ships cooperating with naval forces from the US and other countries to maintain regional and global security.
The British Ambassador also expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain in view of the support and assistance made by the Kingdom for laying foundations of regional and international security and the fight against piracy and terrorism.
The United Kingdom’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain praised the hospitality and warm reception, which he received in Bahrain, noting that it has exceeded all his expectations, and he also praised the same context and idea of Ramadan majlises scattered throughout the Kingdom, and described them as an appropriate opportunity to meet and communicate with people and increase social ties.
Regarding the British community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said that some businesspeople in the Gulf region told him that Bahrain is the “right place, which is convenient for them because they feel they are at home whenever they are in Bahrain and because here they are not treated as foreigners,” adding that he would work to strengthen the relationship between the British community and members of Bahraini people in the cultural, economic, and educational fields.
The ambassador said the two countries enjoy excellent relations in the political, economic and defense aspects, and he expressed his ambitions to further strengthen those relationships in social and media fields.