His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received the outgoing Executive Director of IISS–Middle East, Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Thomas Beckett, at Gudaibiya Palace.

During the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was introduced to Air Marshal (Retd) Martin Sampson, the newly appointed Executive Director of IISS–Middle East.

His Royal Highness emphasised that regional and global developments highlight the importance of initiatives aimed at strengthening international partnerships in addressing global challenges to strengthen the foundations of global security and peace.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended the efforts of Lt Gen (Retd) Sir Tom Beckett throughout his tenure. Furthermore, His Royal Highness congratulated the new Executive Director of IISS–Middle East and wished him success in his new role.

His Royal Highness commended the Kingdom of Bahrain’s long and fruitful cooperation with the IISS, and the ongoing efforts to organise the Manama Dialogue over the past 19 years in particular, which has grown into an important and reputable regional and international forum.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister underscored the pivotal role of IISS in providing the necessary elements to support strategies that enhance regional and global security and stability.

For their part, Lt Gen (Retd) Sir Tom Beckett and Air Marshal (Retd) Martin Sampson expressed their gratitude to His Royal Highness for his unwavering commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bahrain and IISS, as well as his continued support of the Manama Dialogue since its inception.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, also attended the meeting.

BNA