Today, the UK has announced its intention to join the US-Bahrain
Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement
(C-SIPA) which aims to build long-term security and stability
across the Middle East. This demonstrates the UK's commitment to
working with key defence partners Bahrain and the US to cooperate
more closely with them and allies to foster regional stability
and prosperity.
The UK's Minister for the Middle East will travel to the region
tomorrow, to attend the Manama Dialogue, where Bahrain, US and UK
will sign and celebrate the UK joining the C-SIPA agreement. He
will also deliver a speech addressed to foreign, defence and
intelligence Ministers from across the region and world to
discuss the most pressing regional security issues.
The UK's membership of C-SIPA will bolster its strong security
and economic cooperation with Bahrain. Bahrain hosts the UK's
naval facilities in the Gulf and has supported operations which
support freedom of navigation and commercial trade through the
Red Sea. The first UK Bahrain Strategic Investment Partnership
agreed in 2023 has already provided over £1billion investment in
UK.
The UK has a special relationship with the US built on a
foundation of deep security, military and intelligence links, as
well as unique cultural and people to people bonds. Joining
C-SIPA is a natural extension of this, and the UK will continue
to be a reliable partner standing with the US and Bahrain to
support greater stability and prosperity in the Middle East.
The Minister for Middle East and North Africa, said:
The Middle East is subject to instability and the risks of
escalation and miscalculation are high. It is more important than
ever for the UK to join efforts to build long-term regional
security in the region, alongside key partners Bahrain and US.
C-SIPA is a joint commitment to be at the forefront of global
efforts to promote the rule of law and contribute to regional
stability and prosperity.
I am delighted that the UK have announced its decision to join
and look forward to furthering our security cooperation with
Bahrain and the US.
Minister Falconer will also attend the Doha Forum in Qatar to
collaborate with key partners on tackling challenges facing our
world, from security to technology and development.
Following this, the Prime Minister will travel to the Gulf next
week, where he will be discussing defence and security
partnerships and cooperation on regional stability. The UK is
proud to work with Gulf countries who have been vital partners in
calling for peace, delivering humanitarian aid and working to
de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
