Manama: The Embassy of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted a reception marking the 249th anniversary of the United States' Independence under the theme 'Unity Through Sport'. The celebration was attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, along with several ministers, senior officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Ambassador Steven Bondy, Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Bahrain, delivered a speech in which he highlighted that over more than a century of close cooperation, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America have built a results-oriented partnership. He noted that his long tenure in the Kingdom has allowed him to witness first-hand the positive impact generated when both nations work together in various sectors such as healthcare, education, youth skills development, technology, energy, transport, defence, and security; areas in which joint efforts have yielded achievements for both countries and the broader Middle East region.
Ambassador Bondy commended the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty's chairing of the 33rd Arab Summit, the 'Bahrain Summit,' as well as the Emergency Arab Summit held in Cairo. He emphasised that His Majesty's vision for peace and security reflects shared values between the two nations, along with those of other international partners. He also commended the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts, under His Majesty's leadership, to advance peace, highlighting His Majesty's strategic vision for a more secure and integrated Middle East.
Ambassador Bondy expressed appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the Cabinet statement issued yesterday, which underscored the strategic partnership between the two countries and the role of the United States in safeguarding security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. The ambassador emphasised that the Cabinet's message reflects the historic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States; a relationship built on mutual understanding, respect, and a shared vision for success. He added that, by working together as partners, both nations are well-positioned to overcome any challenges.
He went on to cite examples of cooperation between Team Bahrain and Team America in serving both peoples. He recalled the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which laid the groundwork for bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, science, and technology. Since it was signed a year and a half ago, the two countries have continued to strengthen cooperation in these areas, recognising the importance of ending conflicts and fostering regional security and economic cooperation.
Addressing the theme of this year's reception, the ambassador noted the presence of American basketball players currently competing in Bahraini clubs, Bahraini invitees participating in American football leagues, and professional wrestlers from the Bahraini wrestling entertainment circuit. He added that the United States will host a series of major sporting events over the coming years, beginning with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, followed by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup, the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup, and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The ambassador noted that this shared passion for sport, competition, excellence, and global engagement is a common trait between the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain. He welcomed visitors arriving in the Kingdom this weekend to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix, underscoring Bahrain's standing as the true 'home of motorsport in the Middle East.'
Reflecting on the past year, the Ambassador highlighted Bahrain's sporting achievements, including His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's victory in the World Endurance Championship for a second consecutive year last September. He also noted that four Bahraini Olympic athletes won medals at the Paris 2024 Games, including two gold medals, and that the national football team secured the Gulf Cup for the second time in January. Additionally, Bahrain's under-15 national basketball team won the GCC Championship last August.
The ambassador noted that there are vast opportunities for both nations to harness emerging technologies capable of transforming economies and boosting productivity. He noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States have a new area of cooperation: space science. Last month, Bahrain launched its satellite 'Al Munther' into orbit aboard a US SpaceX rocket, a milestone achievement which he congratulated the Kingdom on.
Ambassador Bondy emphasised that the bilateral relations reflect the maturity of ties between the two nations. He recalled numerous high-level meetings since January 20, when President Trump assumed office, noting that such engagements reflect the importance attached to relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain. He expressed his confidence that the two nations will continue reaching new milestones in their diplomatic ties in the coming years.