*** Gulf-Western ties just got stronger | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Gulf-Western ties just got stronger

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain reaffirmed its role as a principal driver of regional defence cooperation during a high-level meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

The meeting on Wednesday was part of HRH’s official visit to the United States and underscored Bahrain’s growing leadership in shaping multilateral defence pacts through strategic platforms like the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). Notably, HRH Prince Salman highlighted Bahrain’s joint invitation with the U.S. to bring the United Kingdom into the pact, marking a new chapter in Gulf-Western defence integration.

Shared priorities

HRH emphasised that Bahrain’s enduring military partnership with the United States, now spanning over 130 years, continues to evolve through deep mutual trust and cooperation. His Royal Highness said initiatives like C-SIPA not only bolster regional deterrence but also expand collaboration in commerce, science, and technology among like-minded states, contributing to long-term peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

HRH Prince Salman described the agreement as a cornerstone for regional security architecture, enabling collective deterrence against external threats while reinforcing Bahrain’s standing as a reliable and proactive security partner.

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Strategic foothold

His Royal Highness reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to international peace efforts and its readiness to build on existing military frameworks to further elevate cooperation.

HRH also expressed pride in the Kingdom’s decades-long hosting of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and its active participation in the Combined Maritime Forces, underscoring Bahrain’s vital role in securing global shipping lanes.

For his part, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Bahrain’s longstanding contributions to global security and commended its leadership in promoting peace and maritime cooperation.

He reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthening joint defence capabilities with the Kingdom, grounded in decades of trusted alliance.

High-level presence

Also attending the meeting were HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, and several senior officials.

The visit reinforced Bahrain’s forward-leaning diplomatic approach and its strategic weight in regional and international security frameworks.

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