London, Nov 24 (BNA): Interior Minister Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa today met with the British Security Minister John Hayes.

The meeting comes within the framework of the Interior Minister’s visit to the United Kingdom. Bahrain Ambassador to UK Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, UK Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin were also present at the meeting.

The UK Security Minister lauded the distinguished relations between the two countries, affirming to continue cooperation with Bahrain in areas of training and fighting terrorism.

The Interior Minister hailed the solid historical bilateral relations which pave the way for boosting security cooperation to counter threats and terrorism.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint team to follow up the implementation of the security agreement, which aims at raising capacities and efficiency of the police to maintain security.

Ways to promote security coordination were discussed, as well as topics of mutual interest.

The Interior Minister also met with Lord Tariq Mahmood Ahmed of Wimbledon, Home Office Minister on Countering Extremism and on Aviation Security at the Transport Department.

The meeting was also attended by Bahrain Ambassador to UK Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, UK Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin.

Lord Mahmood commended the royal reforms, taking pride in the friendship relations between the two kingdoms.

The Interior Minister stressed that the Bahraini society is a peaceful one, but the problem lies in the extremism that all community activities must come together to confront it.

The parties reviewed aspects of security cooperation and the exchange of expertise in various fields for the protection of citizens and residents in line with the community partnership strategy which the ministry seeks upgrading.

MJ

BNA 2129 GMT 2015/11/24