Press release

Construction begins on new base for the Royal Navy in Bahrain

Foreign Secretary and Royal Navy personnel attend Mina Salman Port groundbreaking ceremony.

The Foreign Secretary attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Bahrain today to start the construction of a new Royal Navy facility.

Mina Salman Port will play a central role in the Royal Navy’s ability to operate in the region, and reaffirms the UK’s determination to work with Bahrain to maintain security and stability in the Gulf.

This facility will give the UK an enhanced and permanent presence in the region, allowing longer-term deployments in the Gulf.

The Foreign Secretary was joined at the ceremony by Royal Navy personnel, who watched the first spades go into the ground against a backdrop of HMS Bangor, a minehunter, and RFA Cardigan Bay.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

The beginning of construction work at Mina Salman Port marks a watershed moment in the UK’s commitment to the region. The presence of the Royal Navy in Bahrain is guaranteed into the future, ensuring Britain’s sustained presence east of Suez. The new facility will enable Britain to work with our allies to reinforce stability in the Gulf and beyond.

Commander Joint Forces Command, General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE ADC, said:

This is a reflection of the continued cooperation and engagement between the Bahrain Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces. We welcome the continued support from Bahrain which enables the Royal Navy to operate in the Gulf region.

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Published 31 October 2015