H.E. Ambassador Steven C. Bondy highlights growing US-Bahrain relations

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Ashen Tharaka

As the United States celebrates its 248th Independence Day, US Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, extended warm wishes to Americans in the Kingdom and the Bahraini people.

“Happy 248th anniversary of the independence of the United States from me and the team here at the American Embassy to all Americans in Bahrain and all of our friends here in this beautiful country,” said Ambassador Bondy in an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune.

Ambassador Bondy emphasised the enduring strength of the US-Bahrain relationship, built on shared values and mutual respect.

“The relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America just keeps getting better, stronger, and deeper,” he stated.

“We share similar values and objectives as we navigate a challenging global environment.”

Solidifying bond

The long history of American presence in Bahrain, dating back over 130 years, has played a key role in solidifying this bond.

Ambassador Bondy highlighted the lasting contributions of American missionaries who arrived in the 1890s, establishing healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and religious centers that continue to serve the community today.

“These institutions are a testament to the strong foundation on which the US-Bahrain relationship is built,” he remarked.

A significant recent development was the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA) last September.

Strategic agreement

“This agreement, the most advanced written strategic agreement we have with any country in the region, rests on three pillars,” Ambassador Bondy explained.

The first pillar is defense and security, where both nations share an assessment of regional threats and work together to address them; the second is commercial affairs, including trade, investment, supply chains, and logistics, where they collaborate to establish conditions for increased private sector relationships; and the third pillar focuses on emerging technology, network security, and scientific cooperation.

This agreement underlines the comprehensive collaboration between governments, private sectors, and research institutions from both nations.

The CSIPA underscores the multifaceted partnership between the US and Bahrain, encompassing government collaboration, private sector engagement, and research institutions from both nations.

“We anticipate universities and R&D centers will expand their work in these critical areas,” Ambassador Bondy concluded.

Unity and cooperation

As the US celebrates its 248th Independence Day, Ambassador Bondy’s message resonates with the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines US-Bahrain relations.

This enduring partnership, built on a foundation of shared values and historical ties, continues to thrive and evolve. With milestones like the CSIPA, both nations are poised to tackle future challenges together, fostering innovation and growth.