Relations between Bahrain and UK have undergone a ‘remarkable transformation’ since 2011 resulting in the former introducing a wide range of judicial, human rights and security reforms, according to outgoing British Ambassador Iain Lindsay.

He suggested relations between the two countries were now better than at any time since Bahrain’s independence in 1971, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The ambassador also revealed a new British naval base due to open in Bahrain next year, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of relations between the countries, would be called HMS Juffair.

“I’m delighted to report that the tender for construction of the new naval facilities has just been issued,” Mr Lindsay said in a farewell speech to the Bahrain British Business Forum.

“We hope that construction work will start in September with a view to an official opening of the new base in the autumn of 2016, a fitting tribute to 200 years of bilateral relations and also to the generous support of His Majesty King Hamad and the Bahrain Defence Force.”

He recalled that Bahraini-British relations went through a ‘tough patch’ in the first half of 2011 following the outbreak of unrest, but said the UK had since provided experts to support various reform programmes.

After the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was formed that year, Mr Lindsay said his arrival in 2011 provided an opportunity for a new chapter in relations that restored trust and confidence.

"Given the mutual suspicion that had existed in the first half of 2011 there was some initial hesitation on both sides about moving beyond warm words," he said.

"In London, 'reputational risk' was a phrase which I often heard.

"Here, some were concerned about what the UK's motivation was.

"Trojan horse was a phrase I heard, albeit just once. But we, as partners, overcame that."

Four years down the line, Bahrain is benefiting from a wide range of British support in reform.

"One senior Bahraini ventured to suggest it (relations) was now better than at any time since independence in 1971," said Lindsay.

"My firm view is that this is because it is a relationship based on mutual trust and confidence, credibility and partnership.

"And I cannot fault the commitment and engagement of the Bahraini Royal Family and the Bahraini government in relation to the bilateral relationship over my time here."

He pointed to frequent high level engagements between officials from both countries, including a visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, to the UK last month during which he met Prime Minister David Cameron.

Lindsay also revealed British exports to Bahrain had increased by nearly a third since 2011, with new British companies entering the local market.

In terms of reform he added that UK experts were providing judicial, human rights, prisons and security sector assistance to key ministries and institutions, including capacity building and training.

"We do not claim that everything is perfect," he said.

"There are still issues which cause us concern."

He referred to comments made earlier this week by British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood, who expressed "concern" at the four-year jail sentence handed to Al Wefaq National Islamic Society secretary-general Shaikh Ali Salman.

"We know from our own painful experience in Northern Ireland that changing attitudes, culture and behaviour takes time," said Mr Lindsay.

"And that was in a region which was overwhelmingly supportive of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

"I don't need to tell you that the environment in the Middle East today is totally different."

However, Lindsay said the new British government saw the strengthening of UK-GCC relations as being of strategic importance.

"With Bahrain I think we are already on the right track," he said.

"We are showing that we can do enhance defence and security and reform support at the same time."

Lindsay will take up his new assignment as UK Ambassador to Hungary in January and will be succeeded by new Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin in September. - TradeArabia News Service