Bahrain committed to strengthening military and defence ties with US: HRH Prince Salman

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is committed to strengthening military and defence relations with the United States. This was emphasised by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, as he visited the US Fifth Fleet headquarters.

HRH Prince Salman, who was accompanied by His Highness Major Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during the visit, highlighted the strength of strategic ties between Bahrain and US. The Minister of Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and several other senior officials were also in attendance.

Following a welcoming military marine salute, His Royal Highness was received by the Commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and Commander of United States Fifth Fleet (C5F), Vice Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, and the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Bahrain, Maggie Nardi.

HRH Prince Salman affirmed the importance of strategic alliances to upholding maritime, economic, and environmental security, noting the role played by the US Fifth Fleet in this regard. In addition, HRH the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister stressed the importance of protecting international maritime traffic from threats that adversely impact global trade.

He thanked the US for their role, and stressed the need to unify international efforts to further strengthen regional maritime security. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, was yesterday briefed on regional security issues, including the US Fifth Fleet’s role, tasks, and cooperation with Bahraini forces.

He attended the launch of the International Maritime Exercise 22 (IMX/CE 2022), and was also briefed on new uncrewed technologies and uncrewed surface vessels (USV) engaged in the exercise and the Royal Bahraini Navy’s participation in the exercise.

HRH Prince Salman reiterated that joint exercises are crucial to ensuring readiness to address various challenges and safeguarding regional and international navigation and maritime trade. HRH extended his gratitude and wished success to the Commander of the US NAVCENT and CSF, the Royal Bahraini Navy, and all participating countries.