Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of Government policy towards Bahrain. [149084]

Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State: Bahrain is an important regional ally for the UK. We enjoy a relationship based on common interests in many areas, including trade and investment, education, culture, defence, and security. Our aim is to strengthen our engagement in these areas and support the government's foreign policy objectives of security, prosperity, and support for UK nationals overseas. This close relationship allows us to have frank conversations with the Bahraini Government in other areas, such as human rights, the UK's values, and the importance of the rule of law. We are supporting the Bahraini Government in its reform efforts and are encouraged that the Government and Opposition have engaged in a National Dialogue. I and my ministerial colleagues visit Bahrain, or meet with senior Bahraini visitors, on a regular basis.

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