We are deeply concerned by the repeated launches of ballistic missiles by North Korea, most recently on 5 August. These are a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions and pose a grave threat to our regional partners and global security.

We encourage North Korea to engage in meaningful discussions with the United States in order to secure complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. Until this happens UN sanctions must be fully enforced by all states.

The Prime Minister spoke to King Hamad of Bahrain, who congratulated him on his appointment. They recalled previously meeting in Bahrain.

The two leaders discussed the importance of security in the Gulf and the role played by Naval Support Facility Juffair. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to de-escalate regional tensions and reiterated the UK’s commitment to the Iran nuclear deal.

King Hamad underlined the importance of trade between the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council, and his ambition to increase that trade post-Brexit.