Bahrain steps up defence pact role in US security call

• HRH Prince Salman strengthens Bahrain’s C-SIPA role
• HRH leads defence dialogue
• C-SIPA reaffirmed as cornerstone
• Regional stability emphasised

You Know What:
The Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in 2023, marked the first formal defence and economic pact of its kind between the US and a Gulf nation.

Mahir Haneef
TDT | Manama

Reaffirming Bahrain’s standing as a key defence partner in the Gulf, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, held a high-level telephone conversation on Sunday with United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

The call focused on strengthening military and strategic coordination under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a landmark pact that HRH described as a driver of Bahrain-US bilateral cooperation.

Pact Reaffirmed

HRH Prince Salman stressed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to enhancing regional and global peace efforts. He highlighted the value of C-SIPA in reinforcing joint readiness and aligning regional security strategies with US-led efforts.

His Royal Highness noted that the Bahrain-US relationship rests on deep-rooted military and defence collaboration, which has evolved into one of the region’s most robust security partnerships.

Stability Highlighted

The conversation also underscored the pivotal role of the United States in ensuring regional and international stability. Both sides exchanged views on current developments and common priorities shaping the Middle East security landscape.

HRH Prince Salman reiterated that Bahrain remains a committed partner in advancing peace and countering threats in coordination with allies across the Gulf and beyond.

Continued Coordination

The strategic dialogue follows a series of high-level engagements between Manama and Washington in recent months, aimed at operationalising C-SIPA and expanding its scope across both defence and prosperity tracks.