§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Chief of Defence Staff visited Bahrain; whom he met; what topics were discussed; and who was in his accompanying delegation. [118286]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 11 April 2000]: General Sir Charles Guthrie last visited Bahrain between 25 and 27 February 2000. He met the Amir of Bahrain, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, the Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force, Vice Admiral Moore of the US Navy and UK personnel deployed in Bahrain. They discussed aspects of the UK's bilateral relationship with Bahrain and a variety of regional issues. General Guthrie was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy Principal Staff Officer and Aide De-Camp. Our Ambassador to Bahrain was present during the calls on Bahraini officials and the Defence Attaché escorted throughout.