Both sides discussed ways to strengthen the relationships between the two countries and have cooperation on the educational, cultural and trade levels, as well as Britain’s contribution to preserving peace and stability in the Gulf region, as it is a strategic and delicate area, because of the existing huge reserves of natural wealth of oil and gas.
Al Maawda pointed out the situation in Bahrain and the high level of violence by terrorist groups against citizens and security men, stressing that the opposition rejected a lot of calls to stop the escalation. He also highlighted that the police forces do not carry any weapons, but only using tear gas, in spite of all the dangers they are exposed to. Those policemen endanger their lives by the protesters who always use Molotov bombs, iron bars, and modern weapons locally manufactured to launch iron arrows killing some of the policemen, and causing serious injuries to others. However, the security forces exercised maximum restraint.
Al Maawda added that Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing these days, the resuming of the national dialogue between the relevant parties, where they did not specify a time for the end of the dialogue to provide an opportunity to resolve all problems, despite the attempt of some to disrupt the dialogue, but they hope that the dialogue will continue to achieve its desired goals.
In a meeting with a member of the House of Lords and First State Minister, Baroness Warsi, Al Maawda pointed out that the aim of the visit of the Bahraini parliamentary delegation was to clarify the facts and disclose them to the public opinion, the House of Commons and House of Lords, where the Baroness lauded the depth of the Bahraini-British relations, and Britain’s concern with Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Al Maawda said that the message they conveyed to the members of the House of Lords and House of Commons was the necessity to listen to all concerned parties to disclose the facts and not to listen only to one party, stressing that the priorities in Bahrain now are moving forward to the consolidation of peace and security. He also highlighted that everyone agrees that the approach to solve all the problems is through the dialogue.
Al Maawda pointed out that the Bahraini Society is a society of pluralism, tolerance and diversity, adding that the presence of the Shura Council as well as the House of Representatives in the reform project in Bahrain, has achieved the balance and ensured representation for all categories, segments and components of the Bahraini society. He also stressed that there was no discrimination on the basis of sects and religions in Bahrain.
On the other hand, Lord Thomas stressed that the Decree of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa to form an independent commission for inquiry was courageous; highlighting that it was not followed by any state on a similar step.