UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and United Nations Tariq Ahmad arrived in the Gulf yesterday for talks on upholding regional security and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to tackling the dangerous threat posed by Iran-backed proxies and partners.
On his first stop in Bahrain, Lord Ahmad will visit the UK Maritime Component Command at the Naval Support Facility from where the UK is supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Poseidon Archer alongside international partners.
The operations have sought to deter Houthi aggression and protect international shipping from the Houthis’ reckless and indiscriminate attacks against commercial and military vessels, including the UK contributions to the international task force from Royal Navy ships HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond.
In meetings with Bahrain’s National Security Adviser, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister, Lord Ahmad will also discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, reiterating the UK’s efforts towards securing an immediate pause in the fighting to get more life-saving aid into Gaza faster and through as many routes as possible.
The minister will then travel to the UAE where he is expected to have further discussions on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, including the UAE and UK humanitarian response, and continue to encourage a de-escalation of regional tensions; as well as efforts to support the peace process in Sudan.
Lord Ahmad said: “At this critical period, we must do all we can – including working with key partners – to strengthen regional stability and security and push for de-escalation.
“The UK, Bahrain and the UAE are close partners and they have a crucial role to play in the region and I look forward to discussing our ongoing efforts towards alleviating the dire humanitarian suffering in Gaza by getting more aid in through as many routes as possible and to get hostages out.
“We must also work closely together to address the threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and make progress towards peace and security in the Middle East, most importantly securing an irreversible pathway to delivering a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine.”
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