Bahrain, US to boost strategic partnership

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain and the US reiterated the importance of strategic cooperation, particularly in the defence, military and humanitarian fields. They noted their countries’ role in supporting peace, security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East.

This came as Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a joint press conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd James Austin III, on a visit to the Kingdom.

Austin congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on signing the Abraham Peace Accords, stressing the importance of the agreement in supporting regional peace and stability.

The two sides also discussed the importance of building on these agreements to further dialogue and coexistence in the regional, stressing the importance of Mideast peace and stability for the international security.

“Bahrain and the US reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism and target those who harbor terrorists,” said Dr Al Zayani, adding that both sides attach a great importance to their partnership.

The US official had held meetings with HM the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The two sides discussed the developments unfolding in Afghanistan and their potential spillover on regional security and stability. Austin stressed his country’s appreciation for Bahrain’s support to humanitarian efforts to evacuate people who transited the Kingdom before heading to the US, which showed the importance of joint cooperation between the two countries.

Austin stressed solid bilateral relations and stressed his keen interest in further strengthening defence partnership, reiterating thanks to Bahrain for hosting the US forces.

He noted his meeting with the BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, hailing support to the Allies Refuge operation and commitment to enhancing US-Bahrain defence partnership