Bahrain, US keen to boost economic cooperation

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain and the US are keen to explore opportunities for furthering economic and trade cooperation. This was emphasised by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as the second Strategic Dialogue between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the USA began virtually yesterday.

 Dr Al Zayani delivered a speech in which he said the two sides are building on the strong foundations of their bilateral Free Trade Agreement, noting that laying the foundation for the United States Trade Zone in Bahrain’s Salman Industrial City is one example for such cooperation.

Dr Al Zayani said the two countries celebrated 50 years of formal diplomatic relations last year and with over a century of deep-rooted bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, He said that the partnership between Bahrain and the US is one of unique strategic attributes and advantages, adding that it is a partnership based on mutual respect, shared priorities. Blinken, who chaired the US side, expressed his pride in the historical relations between Bahrain and the US.

The 21st anniversary

He noted that both countries will also celebrate this year the 21st anniversary of the designation of Bahrain as a major non-Nato ally of the US. He also underlined that the US appreciates its partnership with Bahrain in the field of maintaining security and stability in the region.