Such co-operation is vital in the face of the extremist and terrorist threats facing us all today. These threats are felt particularly strongly across the Gulf States, where we have seen Isil rise out of power vacuums in Iraq and Syria into a regional and international threat.

The UK has played a prominent and effective role in tackling the global challenge of terrorism and extremism. It has been a leading member of the Global Coalition Against Terrorism, taking part in international operations to disrupt and defeat terrorist groups. On the domestic front, the UK’s deradicalisation programmes are among the most effective anywhere in the world. Such initiatives to tackle extremism before it takes root are the only long-term solution to the problem.

Today's Gulf is a region of challenges, but also of opportunity. The Government of Bahrain is committed to strong and effective cooperation and partnership with the UK across all fields.

At the end of last month His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa visited London, where he met Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister, the Ambassadors of Gulf States to the United Kingdom, and a number of parliamentarians.