The Defence Secretary has emphasised the importance of an international response to the ISIL threat during discussions with allies in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Michael Fallon visited Jeddah in Saudi Arabia this week and Manama in Bahrain. He met the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the King and Crown Prince of Bahrain to discuss regional security and international co-ordination to counter ISIL, ahead of this week's UN General Assembly.
Mr Fallon said: “At the Jeddah and Paris conferences there was strong agreement on the need for a coordinated response to the ISIL threat. In taking action to degrade and destroy ISIL terrorists it is important that key regional partners continue to play a leading role.
“The UK Government continues to discuss what further contribution the UK may make to international efforts to tackle the threat we all face from ISIL.”
The UK has a long-standing defence relationship with Saudi Arabia, assisting with the delivery and support of Typhoon and Tornado aircraft and benefiting from engagement with the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG), National Guard Communications Project (SANGCOM) and Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Bahrain is also a key location for the UK, providing reach and influence into the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean with onshore basing for the UK’s Maritime Component Commander and four minehunting ships which are based at Mina Salman Port.
While meeting serving Royal Navy personnel in Bahrain Mr Fallon witnessed the structural work being carried out to improve the Navy’s facilities under a Defence Co-operation Accord, signed between former Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and Bahrain’s Crown Prince in October 2012.
Mr Fallon added: “The UK already has a long-established presence in the region and in my discussions I have re-emphasised the UK's continuing commitment and opportunities to strengthen co-operation. I was particularly grateful for King Hamad's offer to support the UK as we continue to examine options that would represent on-going investment in military infrastructure there.