MANAMA: Bahrain and the US are strategic partners in promoting global peace, it was declared yesterday.
This came as His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, held separate talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin, on his visit to Bahrain.
Mr Austin conveyed to the King the thanks and respect of US President Joe Biden for the key role played by Bahrain in the relief and evacuation efforts of US citizens and Afghan civilians.
He also conveyed the US President’s appreciation of strong relations of friendship and co-operation between the two countries.
His Majesty conveyed his greetings to the US President.
They reviewed deep-rooted historical relations and strategic co-operation.
The King expressed appreciation of Bahraini-American relations based on mutual confidence and respect and common keenness to further bolster co-operation in various fields.
He commended historical ties binding the two countries for over 120 years, stressing the kingdom’s keenness to continue providing humanitarian relief aid to Afghanistan and its people.
His Majesty lauded the role of the American community in Bahrain, praising the significant and active role of the US administration, in co-operation with allied and friendly countries, to ensure regional security and stability and preserve global peace.
He also discussed with the US Secretary of Defence regional and international developments and issues of common interest.
During his talks with Mr Austin, HRH Prince Salman acknowledged Bahrain’s role in international relief and evacuation efforts from Afghanistan to the US, which he said was a joint operation symbolic of the kingdom’s well-established strategic partnership with the US.
He said the humanitarian evacuation efforts aimed to support the stability of Afghanistan.
HRH Prince Salman highlighted the depth of long-standing relations between Bahrain and the US and the importance of furthering military co-ordination and defence co-operation.
He also highlighted the US’ role, alongside international partners, in safeguarding regional security and stability.
He acknowledged the role played by the kingdom’s American community in furthering Bahrain’s development.
The US Secretary of Defence emphasised the US’ gratitude and appreciation for Bahrain’s support in Afghan evacuation and relief efforts, noting that the kingdom is a regional partner in international humanitarian operations.
He noted that Bahrain and the US have established long-standing strategic ties, including matters related to military and defence.
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