Key political figures attending Bahrain's second round of National Dialogue talks are today expected to finalise the agenda that will help shape the discussions.

Twenty-seven political figures, MPs and ministers are due to meet for the second time in four days, at the Al Areen Palace and Spa in Sakhir, our sister newspaper, the Gulf Daily News reported.

It comes as the British Foreign Office backed the resumption of talks between the opposition and government in the hope of ending two years of political stalemate.

"The only way to promote peace and stability in Bahrain is through an inclusive dialogue that addresses the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis and helps to build the trust and confidence necessary for long-term reconciliation," it said in a statement.

Dialogue spokesman Isa Abdulrahman said the second session of the talks would focus on setting the agenda.

"It is important for the high-level talks that a clear agenda is set which is agreed by all participants," he said.

However, no time limit would be placed to reach consensus on the agenda.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday welcomed the resumption of talks, saying it was the only way to achieve progress. – TradeArabia News Service