I was pleased to speak at the Manama Dialogue yesterday. My theme was the return of statecraft, and the power of the military instrument to create the time and space for a diplomatic and political response to the global security challenges of our time. #IISSMD23

While in Bahrain I visited the Naval Support Facility where the UK Maritime Commander and his team are based. A vast improvement on the portacabin I worked from when I was based here 13 years ago, which provides proper accomodation and recreational support for our people.

UKMCCMiddleEast Combined Maritime Forces U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Our facility in Bahrain symbolises in bricks and mortar the UK’s enduring commitment to Bahrain and the Gulf.

Today I signed a declaration of intent with HE Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa to establish a Defence Cooperation Agreement to bring about an even closer partnership. 🇬🇧🇧🇭