Washington: His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of the Board of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, met with Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, on the sidelines of an official visit by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the United States.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting underscored the deep-rooted relationship between Bahrain and the U.S., which spans over 130 years and is founded on longstanding cooperation and strategic partnership. The partnership continues to evolve across multiple sectors.
The Minister emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities, aligning with the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the total value of investment deals signed during the visit is approximately USD 17 billion, covering a range of sectors expected to contribute to economic growth and deeper bilateral cooperation.
HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa highlighted the role of the Free Trade Agreement between Bahrain and the U.S., and the United States Trade Zone in Bahrain, in bolstering economic collaboration and creating promising opportunities.
During the meeting, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa and the Secretary of Commerce witnessed the signing of an agreement to supply Gulf Air with 18 new Boeing B787 aircraft and 36 aircraft engines from General Electric Aerospace. The agreement was signed by Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The meeting was attended by HE Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States; and Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat.