Manama: The Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the United States and the U.S. Embassy in Manama recently conducted a mid-year review of their ongoing Strategic Dialogue. This virtual meeting was co-chaired by Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United States, and Steven C. Bondy, the U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting served as an assessment of the progress made since the last session, which took place between July and October. It focused on various areas of bilateral cooperation, such as security, economic relations, culture, and education. Representatives from the Bahraini Embassy included Shaikh Ali bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission; Lt. Col. Khaled Al Mansoor, Acting Cultural Attach©; and Capt. Hamad Al Meer, Security Attach©.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid highlighted the importance of the Strategic Dialogue as a means to review collaboration, refine joint priorities, and ensure ongoing progress on shared objectives. He emphasized the strong ties between Bahrain and the United States, which have been fortified through exchanges between their leaderships.
The discussions also emphasized the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) as a key element in enhancing regional security and integration. Bahrain expressed its willingness to welcome more members to this framework.
In addressing regional and international issues, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid reiterated Bahrain's support for a ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, without displacing Gazans.
The review also marked the 20th anniversary of the Bahrain-U.S. Free Trade Agreement as a significant driver of economic cooperation. Additionally, the recent attainment of a Category 1 rating in the Federal Aviation Administration's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) was acknowledged, paving the way for direct flights between the two nations later this year.
Ambassador Bondy praised the robust U.S.-Bahrain strategic partnership for its positive impact on regional security and stability. He also acknowledged Bahrain's leadership in the region, especially during its presidency of the Arab League, and stressed the importance of deepening bilateral ties through the Strategic Dialogue framework.