Focus on boosting regional security

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has stressed the need to strengthen security cooperation with the United States of America to boost regional security.

His comments came during talks yesterday with Lieutenant General Charles Bradford Cooper, the Commander of the US Central Command Naval Forces and Commander of the Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet.

Reportedly, the Fifth Fleet’s naval forces consist of two carriers, 20 ships, 103 strike aircraft, and approximately 20,000 sailors and marines. Shaikh Rashid warmly welcomed Lieutenant General Charles, expressing appreciation for the strategic partnership and close relations between the two countries.

The minister also commended the significant level of security cooperation and coordination, as well as the exchange of experiences in various areas of security work.

Talks further emphasised the importance of advancing security cooperation and exploring avenues for joint efforts that serve the interests of both friendly nations. Reports also say that currently there are two US naval battle groups are in the Gulf, each led by a carrier: