Emerging new threats continue to be a big challenge for countries that are now required to ‘stay ahead of the curve’ at all times, a forum heard.
National Security Adviser and Royal Guard Commander Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday emphasised that a robust security architecture requires a strong partnership with like-minded nations.
He said the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between Bahrain and the US was a perfect and strong example of nations joining hands to mitigate threats and work together in various sectors.
“We are very proud of it (C-SIPA) that it came right after our signature to the Abraham Accords (in 2020),” said Lt Gen Shaikh Nasser.
“I personally lead the Defence Working Group (DWG) that works on defence (aspect), and then we have the science and technology, and the economy and trade division.”
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, signed C-SIPA in September 2023 with then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken. One of the key points that C-SIPA delivers is enhancing deterrence, including through expanded defence and security co-operation, interoperability, and mutual intelligence capacity building.
The United Kingdom’s accession as the third party to C-SIPA took effect on June 19 this year.
Lt Gen Shaikh Nasser was speaking in a plenary session of the Manama Dialogue 2025 yesterday, entitled ‘The Imperative of Security Co-operation’, alongside US National Intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard.
He said a key trilateral agreement by the DWG will be signed today with the UK and the US, without sharing further details.
He will be present at the signing at the Supreme Defence Council in Sakhir, alongside UK Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton and US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Copper.
Lt Gen Shaikh Nasser said after signing the C-SIPA, the region witnessed unrest, with the US and Bahrain closely working together to resolve the challenges.
He said the landmark agreement has advanced their strategic priorities as Bahrain received the Patriot missile system ahead of schedule while the delivery of F16 Block 70 advanced jets was also fast-tracked.
A $1.12 billion deal was signed in 2018, under which Lockheed Martin was contracted by the US government to manufacture 16 F16 fighter jets for Bahrain.
“We have integrated our efforts with the United States, and see C-SIPA evolving, and we will see new opportunities, and hopefully new flags joining,” he added.
“There is a growing sense of urgency, and in Bahrain the imperative is clear, but what we need now around the world is to stay ahead of the curve of imminent threats. This is to pace us ahead of the conventional, cyber, and hybrid domains.”
Lt Gen Shaikh Nasser also highlighted the visit by HRH Prince Salman to Washington in July this year, during which a $17bn investment package was announced. He said cybersecurity, geospatial and space industry were among the sectors covered.
Meanwhile, Ms Gabbard said that US President Donald Trump’s leadership moved quickly in following up on C-SIPA signed under the last administration, to engage effectively and deliver results.
“I think there’s incredible potential, specifically because of where we are now, with some hope for a new dynamic here in the region, and one that is forward-looking, towards peace and stability,” she noted.
“The road ahead will not be simple or easy. But the president is very committed, recognising the direct connection between peace and prosperity and working with each of our partners and friends to recognise and understand what the challenges and opportunities are.”
Ms Gabbard mentioned President Trump’s role in dealing with Iran that required conversations with several regional partners and also with Hamas.
“This could not be done by any single country alone,” she said. “We are in this game-changing and historic moment with President Trump leading the charge, working with people who have become good friends and partners in this region and around the world.
“I think President Trump has really shown that we cannot afford to have a defeatist attitude.”
The three-day regional summit organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) continues until tomorrow at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, featuring different plenary sessions.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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