Bahrain a major non-NATO ally, security partner, says US VP

TDT | ManamaWashington 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

US Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed the strength of the US-Bahrain ties by calling Bahrain “a major non-NATO ally’ during talks with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the White House, Washington DC.

Bahrain, the US VP told HRH, is a valuable strategic security partner that hosts the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet and the Joint Naval Forces Command.

The Vice President underscored the US commitment to strengthening the US-Bahrain partnership and expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s collaboration on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues.

“The strategic support provided by Bahrain during last year’s relief efforts and evacuations from Afghanistan is tremendous,” added Harris.

While assessing the latest international and regional development, His Royal Highness Prince Salman told Harris that the Kingdom is committed to an international rules-based order to safeguard global security.

His Royal Highness also recognised the prominent role of the US in leading efforts to maintain regional and international peace, security, and stability.

The White House in a statement said the VP and HRH Crown Prince discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the international community’s collective response.

Discussions, the White House said, also focused on regional issues, such as the challenges posed by Iran, and the opportunities presented by the historic Abraham Accords.

The VP also welcomed Bahrain joining the Artemis Accords, a set of rules and norms to guide international cooperation in space.