Manama: The fifth round of the Bahrain-United States Strategic Dialogue concluded in Manama, with discussions centring on deepening bilateral cooperation in support of regional and international peace and security.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting on Strengthening Strategic Cooperation to Support Peace and Security was co-chaired by Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director-General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Alison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
The two sides discussed enhancing coordination between the two countries on key regional and global challenges, with particular attention to Bahrain’s forthcoming non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. The two sides exchanged views on priority issues before the Council and explored opportunities to advance bilateral and multilateral cooperation during Bahrain’s tenure.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), including efforts to strengthen collective deterrence, expand economic cooperation, and deepen partnerships in trade, science and technology with countries committed to regional stability.
It further discussed the promotion of shared values, counter-trafficking efforts, and the further development of trade and investment ties. Bahrain’s role as a regional logistics hub connecting global supply chains was highlighted as a key enabler of economic cooperation.
In a joint statement, both sides affirmed the value of the Strategic Dialogue as a platform for advancing bilateral and regional security and shared economic prosperity, and expressed their intention to continue holding the dialogue in the coming years. They also underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters, stressed the importance of safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and condemned actions that threaten maritime security in the region.
The meeting was attended by Yara Redha Faraj, Coordinator at the Office of the Prime Minister; Ambassador Rashid bin Abdulatif Al Zayani, Acting Head of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Saud Abdullah Yateem, Director of the Protection and Grievances Centre at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority; Salman Hassan Al Jalahma, Head of the Americas Affairs Sector; and Mr Hatem Abdulhamid, Head of the Organisations Sector, along with a number of officials from the United States Department of State.