British military base in Middle East begins construction

A new permanent military base for Britain's Royal Navy started construction Saturday in Bahrain, Britain's former colony in the Persian Gulf, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) announced.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility, to be built at a cost of 23 million U.S.dollars.

"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," Hammond said at the ceremony.

It marks the first permanent British military base in the region since 1971, when Britain formally withdrew from the Middle East and Bahrain gained its independence.

The FCO said that Mina Salman Port, located in Bahrain's capital Manama, will play a central role in the operation of the Royal Navy, and reaffirmed Britain's determination to work with Bahrain to maintain security and stability in the Gulf.

Royal Navy warships such as destroyers and aircraft carriers, now being based at the U.S. bases, will be transferred to the new British military base, which is expected to become the Royal Navy's largest overseas operation center.

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

"This is a reflection of the continued cooperation and engagement between the Bahrain Defense Forces and the British Armed Forces," said General Sir Richard Barrons, Commander of the Joint Forces Command, welcoming "the continued support from Bahrain which enables the Royal Navy to operate in the Gulf region." Endi