Bahrain's Ambassador to the United States Hails Bilateral Ties, Emphasizes Progress of Reform in Speech to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs

CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a speech before the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United States on Monday, Houda Nonoo, hailed the strong bilateral ties between Bahrain and the United States and emphasized that reforms in the Kingdom are meaningful and ongoing.

Lauding the longstanding alliance between the United States and Bahrain, Ambassador Nonoo stated, "Friendships come and go but alliances endure. For Bahrain and our friends in the West, our alliance is strong. There will be immense opportunities in the future to strengthen that bond to make history for global peace and democracy."

Ambassador Nonoo also emphasized Bahrain's commitment to deep, meaningful and substantive reform.

"Bahrain's government is committed to reform, and to implementing progressive policies that will help achieve reconciliation for all Bahrainis," she said. "We are committed to that journey because the future of Bahrain and its people relies on a meaningful unification strategy."

The Ambassador concluded her remarks by saying: "Bahrain will not dare forget that the very foundation of our society was challenged and strained one year ago. We have and will continue to work tirelessly to secure the future of our democracy and the security and freedoms of our people."

Following her speech, Ambassador Nonoo met with Dr. Cherif Bassiouni – chair of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry – to discuss the ongoing progress in implementing recommendations contained in the Commission's report.

SOURCE Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain