This week, Amanda Milling, the minister for Asia and the Middle East, finished her second visit to the Gulf, making stops in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The visit coincided with a rapid tightening of ties between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The UK stated last month that the GCC nations will be exempt from visa rules, join the Electronic Travel Authorization programme, and start discussions on a free trade agreement.
Minister Milling met Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, during a one-day trip to Bahrain, where they further discussed their strong bilateral ties. Ms. Milling commended Bahrain’s Minister for Human Rights for the country’s ongoing advancements in this field and underlined the UK’s commitment to aid Bahrain in its efforts.
She also had fruitful discussions with the ministers of finance and the national economy. Ms. Milling visited the UK Naval Support Facility for a briefing on the UK’s security efforts in the region, along with the US and other defence allies, and spoke with influential young Bahrainis about their dreams and aspirations. She also met key business people.
Following His Highness the Amir’s recent visit to the UK, the Minister met with her counterpart in Qatar, the Deputy Foreign Minister, and HE Sultan Saad Al Muraikhi to explore ways to deepen their bilateral relationship, particularly issues of regional and global security.
Prior to the World Cup, the Minister also met with Nasser Al Khater, CEO of Qatar 2022, the Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, to discuss labour rights, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hannan Al Kuwari, to discuss cooperation on global health issues, and the Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri.
In order to discuss how to advance the “Partnership for the Future” (P4F) agreement signed by the PM and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during a Guest of Government visit to the UK in September 2021, Minister Milling met with important Emirati officials in the UAE, including Dr. Anwar Gargesh and HE Sheikh Shakbout bin Nahyan.
Minister of State for Asia and the Middle East, Amanda Milling MP said:
“Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE are close friends of the UK. We are making it easier for UK companies to trade with companies in the Gulf through a Free Trade Agreement and for citizens of the Gulf to travel to the UK through our Electronic Visa Authorisation scheme.
“In Bahrain, I reiterated that the UK is a reliable partner and we’ll continue to work closely together on many areas, including regional security, human rights and trade and investment.
“In Qatar I had the opportunity to discuss on-going preparations for the World Cup, and our support for a safe and enjoyable experience for British fans.
“In the UAE, my counterparts and I discussed the full range of shared priorities outlined in the Partnership for the Future, from boosting bilateral trade to regional stability and development.”