Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem held an extensive meeting, as part of his current visit to the US.
Acting Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the US Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation attended the meeting.
Upon his arrival at the US Department of Homeland Security, the Interior Minister was received by the US Secretary of Homeland Security, where an official reception ceremony was held.
The US Secretary of Homeland Security welcomed the visit of the Interior Minister, emphasising its importance in strengthening security co-operation and co-ordination, developing bilateral relations, and opening broader prospects for joint collaboration.
She also highlighted the strategic relations between the two countries, which have evolved over the years of close co-operation.
The minister delivered a speech in which he affirmed that for more than a century, Bahrain and the US have stood together in pursuit of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
He pointed out that under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and President Donald Trump, this partnership has flourished, rooted in mutual respect and a common commitment to advancing global security.
He added that Bahrain’s dedication to this relationship was reaffirmed during the recent visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which underscored Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the US.
The minister commended the achievements of the US official, which reflect an unwavering commitment to law, order, and national security.
He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the department to contribute to stability and public safety worldwide.
He pointed out that the US Administration’s priorities of securing borders, fortifying supply chains, and reinforcing strategic alliances align closely with Bahrain’s own security objectives.
He highlighted that it is within this spirit of shared purpose that the signing of a memorandum of understanding will strengthen the security of both nations. “Our aspiration is to join the US Visa Waiver Programme, an outcome made possible by the trust and confidence built through years of close co-operation.”
The minister stated that the MoU complements the broader framework of our Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). With the UK joining earlier this year, the C-SIPA has become a truly multilateral platform for collaboration in security, emerging technologies, and economic development.
He highlighted the importance of building on the historic partnership between the Coast Guards of the US and Bahrain, and working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to keep C-SIPA dynamic, forward-looking, and impactful for regional stability.
He said: “We are also delighted that this milestone coincides with a new chapter in our people-to-people ties.”
He concluded that Bahrain stands ready to build on this foundation, working alongside the US to advance initiatives that safeguard the two nations and set new benchmarks for partnership, security, and prosperity in the years ahead.
The Interior Minister highlighted Bahrain’s security and stability under the civilised approach and royal directives of His Majesty.
In this context, he pointed to the record decline in the overall crime rate and the measures adopted based on community partnership, along with effective programmes and initiatives to enhance community security, which are the Alternative Sentencing Project and the Open Prisons Programme.
He stated that the reform project of HM the King has established the principles of justice, coexistence, and openness as solid foundations within Bahraini society.
The project has played a key role in advancing the reform approach and enhancing national capabilities to address security challenges.
He also expressed his pride in the level of security co-operation and co-ordination, stemming from the deep historical relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.
He emphasised the importance of continuing collaboration, co-ordination, and exchange of expertise, building on the C-SIPA between the two countries, which was signed by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister during his visit to the US.
The minister reviewed ways to exchange expertise and information and to adopt effective measures to address challenges while benefiting from modern technologies.
In this context, co-operation and co-ordination were discussed in several areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, training and capacity building, the study of visa waiver arrangements, and maritime security.
During the meeting, areas of security co-operation and capacity building were discussed, along with exploring new avenues for bilateral collaboration.
The discussion also covered several regional and international security developments, contributing to the maintenance of security and the enhancement of joint efforts to address current security challenges.
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