Prince Andrew, the Duke of York and the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, toured the Middle East Oil Show (MEOS 2009).

He visited stalls and took the chance to speak to representatives from 16 members of the UK's Energy Industries Council participating in the three-day event, which concluded at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC).

Prince Andrew later met His Majesty King Hamad, before attending a reception at the British Embassy and enjoying dinner with the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

His two-day visit, which ends today, aims to promote trade and strengthen bilateral relations between the UK and Bahrain.

It is part of a wider tour of the Gulf, which has included trips to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

'We have brought 50 Britons over for MEOS, which is a fantastic turnout and shows how strong Britain's representation is in the industry,' said British Embassy political officer Andy Stephenson.

'Prince Andrew's presence here will only serve to strengthen already strong ties between the Bahrain and the UK.'

Prince Andrew will visit British military personnel today and have lunch with members the Bahrain British Business Forum.-TradeArabia News Service