Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

British foreign secretary avoids controversy in Bahrain talk

MANAMA, Bahrain – Britain’s outspoken foreign secretary has stayed away from controversy in a speech to Mideast leaders after earlier criticizing ally Saudi Arabia.

Boris Johnson gave a speech Friday night marking the start of the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain.

Johnson’s speech came after The Guardian newspaper released a video this week of him saying U.K. ally Saudi Arabia, as well as Iran, are engaged in Mideast “proxy wars.”

Friday’s comments avoided that, instead focusing on how Britain was expanding its military presence in the Gulf, mentioning its under-construction naval base in Bahrain.

Johnson called Britain’s decision to leave the Gulf in the 1970s a mistake, saying: “Your security is our security.”

He also said he supports the Iran nuclear deal, though he stressed the need to remain “clear-eyed and vigilant.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles