The treaty was signed between Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa and the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond at the British Defence Ministry head quarters in London on October 11.
The Bahraini prince welcomed the signing of the agreement apparently aimed at boosting the military cooperation between Britain and the tiny Persian Gulf country.
The treaty’s stated aim was promoting cooperation between Britain and the tiny Persian Gulf country in a wide range of fields such as, exchanging intelligence, training, education, conducting joint military drills, as well as technical cooperation and joint training of military forces.
Analysts, however, say such a deal between the two countries could be an attempt to keep the Al Khalifa regime in power, which would, in turn, produce huge financial benefits for Britain.
Indeed, the agreement appears to be designed to strengthen the Bahraini regime’s security and stability, while opposition groups continue to seek a democratic change within the Persian Gulf Island.
The Bahraini crown prince also claimed Britain plays a crucial role in consolidating security in the Persian Gulf region and that London is considered a “strategic ally ” by the Manama government, which he insisted sought comprehensive reform.
The Bahraini rulers claim that Iran poses a threat to them with its advanced missiles despite repeated clarifications by high-ranking Iranian officials that the country’s military capabilities are solely meant for defense purposes.
Britain has been criticized earlier this year for its decision to export poison tear gas to Bahrain where were the riot control weapons caused multiple deaths during the Al-Khalifa bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
Britain has so far failed to challenge the Bahraini government over its human rights abuses.
