His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, yesterday met US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, at the Pentagon.
The meeting took place as part of HRH Prince Salman’s official visit to the US.
He emphasised Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to supporting efforts to enhance international security, stability and peace, and to address regional and global challenges.
HRH Prince Salman and the Defence Secretary welcomed the historic signing of the new Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement between the Kingdom Bahrain and the US.
Both noted that the agreement will significantly bolster shared efforts to protect regional stability.
The meeting also addressed ongoing bilateral military and defence co-operation and covered regional and international developments.
HRH Prince Salman later departed the US and was bid farewell by the National Security Adviser, Supreme Defence Council Secretary-General and Royal Guard Commander Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain Defence Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Sustainable Development Minister Noor Al Khulaif, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the US Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa and senior officials also attended the meeting.
HRH Prince Salman earlier met US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House.
The National Security Adviser reaffirmed the US’ enduring commitment to Bahrain’s security and thanked HRH Prince Salman for Bahrain’s steadfast partnership, which includes hosting the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command.
HRH Prince Salman and the National Security Advisor praised the signing of the new agreement, which will serve as a cornerstone for co-operation among a broader group of countries that share mutual interests and a common vision with regard to deterrence, diplomacy, and escalation.
The Bahrain and US delegations discussed opportunities to strengthen economic and commercial ties under the new agreement, including a target of summer 2024 to launch direct flights between Bahrain and the US.
They also discussed exploring bilateral co-operation on the development of commercial advanced small modular reactors, in line with shared goals of deploying innovative, zero-carbon technologies. His Royal Highness and Mr. Sullivan pledged to stay in regular contact in the coming weeks and months to oversee implementation of the agreement.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the Bahraini delegation also participated in bilateral technology dialogue with senior U.S. officials at the White House today.
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