London, Apr. 25 (BNA): Interior Minister Major General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met, during a visit to the United Kingdom, British Interior Minister Swella Braverman, in the presence of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. Khalifa and Assistant Chief of Public Security for Operations and Training Affairs.
The British Home Secretary welcomed the Minister of the Interior, praising the relations between the two friendly countries. She affirmed her country’s readiness to cooperate with Bahrain in various security fields.
The Minister of Interior praised the excellent historical relations between the two countries, which extend for more than 200 years. He valued the security cooperation between the two countries, and the positive results of the joint security team, by strengthening cooperation and discussing future projects to exchange security expertise.
He thanked the British Home Secretary for introducing the electronic entry permit system, which Bahrain will be among the first countries to use.
He highlighted Bahrain’s programs in strengthening community and national partnership based on the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He referred to the launch of the national plan to enhance the spirit of belonging to the nation and the values of nationalism to enhance the national identity project.
During the meeting, they reviewed security cooperation and coordination, exchange of experiences within the framework of the strategic partnership to face security challenges, as well as issues of common interest.
He also met Home Secretary Lord Tariq Ahmed, Special Representative to the UK Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations. The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom and Director General of Execution of Sentences and Alternative Sentences, Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa.
Lord Ahmed welcomed the visit of the Minister of Interior, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation and strong relations between the two countries. He expressed his pride in the strong relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom in various fields. He said that he considers Bahrain a friendly country and not just a partner.
The Minister of Interior affirmed that the era of reform during the reign of His Majesty the King confirms the consolidation of the values of democracy, tolerance, coexistence, openness, and contribution to strengthening the national march of human rights, justice and reform. He noted that “human rights are an integral part of our culture and religion.”
He pointed out that the draft alternative provisions is a bright and distinct aspect in the field of human rights in Bahrain. He stressed that the expansion of the penal code and alternative measures, including the open prisons program, represents a turning point that reflects the wisdom and human vision of His Majesty the King in looking at the social and human conditions of the convicts. He said that all inmates get their full rights and services according to the law, including education and training rights, noting that 281 inmates are studying and receiving vocational training.
During the meeting, the Director General of Sentences Enforcement briefed the British official on the draft alternative sentences. He said 588 prisoners were recently enlisted, bringing the number of beneficiaries to 5,432 since its launch in 2018.
The meeting reviewed aspects of cooperation and coordination, in addition to various security issues and regional developments.
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