The king of Bahrain
is visiting the UK
for talks with Prime Minister David Cameron, in an effort to improve relations
following the Arab Spring.
King Hamad Al-Khalifa's visit is the first since deadly clashes erupted in Bahrain earlier
this year between security forces and protesters.A report last month found Bahraini police guilty of using excessive force, including torture, against protesters.
The UK criticised the crackdown, but says it wants to help Bahrain reform.
'Strained'
The CA's security correspondent Frank Gardner says this is not a visit that
either government wanted publicised. Bahrain's response to anti-government demonstrations sparked international condemnation. At least 40 people died in the unrest.
But since the report came out, King Hamad has appeared to have acted quickly on its recommendations, our correspondent says.
He sacked the hardline head of national security and set up a human rights watchdog.
Now he is looking to his old ally Britain for advice, support and investment, our correspondent adds.
Ties between the UK and Bahrain have been strained, with the previous British ambassador denied access to ministers for being openly critical of Bahrain's treatment of protesters and for being seen as too close to the mainly Shia opposition.
A Foreign Office official said Britain was now keen to help Bahrain on the path to democratic reform.
On Friday, Bahraini riot police fired tear gas at protests in an attempt to stem fresh demonstrations to the east of the capital, Manama.
They were attempting to march from the village of Musalla to the Pearl Square roundabout, the focus of the protests earlier this year.
The Gulf kingdom's Shia majority has been demanding action to tackle economic hardship, the lack of political freedom and employment discrimination in favour of the ruling Sunni minority.
