Washington: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa hosted a reception in Washington, DC, following the Ramadhan iftar. The reception was part of His Majesty's current visit to the United States to participate in the first meeting of the Board of Peace at the invitation of His Excellency Donald Trump, the President of the US.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the reception was attended by His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Advisor to the US President. Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, senior US administration officials, members of the US Congress, and representatives of countries participating in the first Board of Peace meeting were also present.
His Majesty the King exchanged views during the reception with attendees on the development of longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and their countries. Discussions also addressed the agenda of the first Board of Peace meeting, which aims to advance implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and support reconstruction efforts.
His Majesty delivered a speech emphasizing Bahrain's commitment to peace, coexistence, and tolerance. He highlighted the deep and historic partnership between Bahrain and the United States, mentioning significant milestones such as the establishment of the American Mission Hospital and Bahrain's status as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States. He also noted Bahrain's role in the Abraham Accords and the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.
In his remarks, Jared Kushner expressed his pleasure in attending the reception and meeting His Majesty the King. He welcomed the visit as an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States. Kushner also highlighted His Majesty's efforts in promoting peace and reinforcing security and stability at regional and international levels.
Several speakers at the reception commended Bahraini-American relations and underlined the significance of the first Board of Peace meeting in advancing implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and reconstruction efforts.