Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa returned home after an official visit to the United Kingdom during which he met his British counterpart Kenneth Clarke and senior officials.
They discussed strong historic relations between both countries and their progress in various fields.
The meeting also spotlighted various issues pertaining mainly to the legal and judicial field.
The British Justice Minister underlined keenness to boost cooperation with the Justice Ministry in Bahrain by providing the needed assistance to further develop the judicial field and protect the community from speeches inciting violence, hatred and sectarianism.
Shaikh Khalid also met British Attorney General Dominic Grieve and discussed with him cooperation in the legal field as well as legislative and administrative procedures followed to protect the rights of victims, witnesses and experts.
The Justice Minister also met State Minister for Middle East Affairs Alistair Burt who expressed the British government’s satisfaction at progress of reforms in Bahrain and reiterated support to the kingdom’s efforts in this regard.
He also met with members of the House of Commons from the Bahrain All Party Group who hailed the positive steps taken by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as well as his wisdom in dealing with last year’s incidents.
The Justice Minister visited the British Supreme Court where he met with senior judges Lord Phillips and Lord Hope and got briefed about the work methodology of the court. Discussions also focused on means of enhancing legal and judicial cooperation.
The Justice Minister also visited the Mercantile Court in London where he met its Director General who presented him with a detailed account on the court’s jurisdiction, the judicial process in it and technological means used in handling cases.
Shaikh Khalid also visited the centre in charge of settling civil disputes and got informed about its services.
He reviewed Bahrain’s experience through the establishment of Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution.
The Justice Minister also met the Prisons Inspector General and got informed about the key role played in ensuring justice and complying with the international human rights standards.
Shaikh Khalid also visited one of the prisons outside London and got briefed about the administrative work there as well as the prison’s facilities and services provided for the inmates.
He also met with the representatives of non-government organisations (NGOs).
The meetings were attended by the Bahraini ambassador to the UK and the delegation accompanying the Justice Minister.