His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently attended a dinner banquet in the United Kingdom hosted by King Charles III, emphasizing the enduring relationship between Bahrain and the UK. The two island nations share a long-standing history, with a friendship that has spanned over two centuries. This strong bond has supported Bahrain in various fields such as education, health, banking, and security, contributing to the unique “Bahrain model.” Both Bahrain and the UK, built on trade and openness, have consistently supported each other.
The royal families of Bahrain and the UK have maintained a lasting friendship, with HM King Hamad expressing confidence in King Charles and his support for Bahrain. The nations’ military alliance dates back to World War II when Bahrain supported the Allied forces by contributing ten Spitfire aircraft to the Desert Air Force and providing access to an oil refinery, making it the only Arab nation to do so. Today, this partnership continues through the UK Royal Navy Support Facility in Bahrain, marking its tenth anniversary and symbolizing their ongoing strategic cooperation.
During the banquet, HM King Hamad paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, expressing admiration for her warmth, friendship, and shared passion for horses. He praised King Charles for embodying Queen Elizabeth’s values, including a commitment to inclusivity and religious tolerance. King Charles, in turn, expressed gratitude for HM King Hamad’s 25-year reign and his efforts to promote harmony and inclusivity among all Bahrainis.
The relationship between Bahrain and the UK is characterized by mutual respect and support, reflected in their continued partnership across various sectors. The two island nations have a shared history that has laid the foundation for their strong and deep-rooted friendship. This bond has been instrumental in supporting Bahrain’s development in key areas such as education, health, banking, and security, contributing to the unique “Bahrain model” that both countries uphold.
HM King Hamad highlighted the nations’ military alliance, which dates back to World War II and continues to this day through strategic cooperation, particularly through the UK Royal Navy Support Facility in Bahrain. This facility symbolizes the lasting partnership between Bahrain and the UK and the ongoing support they provide to each other. The dinner banquet hosted by King Charles III was a testament to the enduring friendship between the two royal families and the shared ideals and values that they uphold.
In conclusion, the dinner banquet hosted by King Charles III in the United Kingdom served as a platform to celebrate the long-standing relationship between Bahrain and the UK, rooted in mutual respect and support. The strong and deep-rooted friendship between the two island nations has been pivotal in supporting Bahrain’s development across various sectors. The nations’ military alliance, dating back to World War II, continues to thrive through strategic cooperation, exemplified by the UK Royal Navy Support Facility in Bahrain. The dinner banquet also provided an opportunity for HM King Hamad and King Charles III to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate their shared values and commitment to inclusivity and religious tolerance.
