Bahrain is proud of its democracy and the kingdom has emerged stronger after passing through a risky and dangerous phase, said Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa after meeting top officials in London.

Bahrain is recovering because His Majesty King Hamad took proper steps at the right time, the Interior Minister, who is on an official visit to the UK, said.

He was speaking after meeting British Minister of State at Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lord David Howell.

The Minister also held talks with senior officials including MI5 director-general Jonathan Evans, Home Office Minister James Brokenshire, Northern Ireland Minister Hugo Swire and Attorney General Dominic Grieve.

"We are proud of our democracy and reform project," he pointed out.

"Bahrain has no detainees held because of their opinions, but those who have committed acts punishable under the law. Police have never used live bullets or excessive force, despite criminal acts and vandalism committed by lawbreakers that directly targeted security forces," he stated.

"Police dealt with the situations with self-restraint and professionalism and keeping in view the human rights criteria," he said, while highlighting that police opted to use tear gas to prevent injuries and direct damage.

He also highlighted the case of the discovery of highly explosive materials during recent raids and pledged that the terror plotters will be arrested.

The Minister said foreign expertise has been sought to study the confiscated material in order to speed up investigations.

During his meeting with Lord Howell, the Minister stressed the national dialogue is meant to involve all parties.

Lord Howell said Bahrain is considered an example in the region and its situation should not be linked to the Arab Spring.

The country has achieved remarkable reforms over more than 10 years and Britain stands ready to assist the kingdom as it moves ahead with comprehensive reforms, he said.-TradeArabia News Service