Bahrain, a true partner for the US

The Fourth of July is a special day for all Americans. It is a day in which we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of our country, often with barbeques and fireworks. I would like to convey my best wishes to all of my fellow Americans celebrating the Fourth of July in Bahrain. The Bahraini-US partnership is stronger today than ever before.

We remain grateful to Bahrain for hosting US Navy Central Command and the US Fifth Fleet, the lynchpin of our security partnership. Bahrain has been a true partner for the United States as we work together to ensure security throughout the region. Since our bilateral Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2006, bilateral trade between our two countries has increased over 140 per cent.

This has provided tremendous opportunities for Bahraini and American businesses both. Bahraini merchandise exports to the United States have almost tripled since the FTA came into force, increasing from $360 million in 2005 to almost $1 billion in 2017. US exports to Bahrain have increased as well, providing good jobs for Bahraini workers and iconic brands to the Bahraini market.

Hundreds of Bahrainis will travel to the United States this fall to study at American colleges and universities. More than three hundred Bahrainis have participated in US Embassy-sponsored exchange programs in the last five years alone. Last week, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced that Bahrain had achieved a Tier 1 ranking on our annual Trafficking in Persons report.

This is a remarkable achievement and reflects the commitment and determination of the Bahraini leadership to combat human trafficking. The US Embassy has been proud to support these efforts.

As we celebrate America’s birthday, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of Bahrain for their support and friendship. The United States’ partnership with Bahrain makes this important day even more special for all Americans in Bahrain.