Bahrain-US Strategic Dialogue Concludes in Manama, Focuses on Peace and Security

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Manama: The fifth round of the Bahrain–United States Strategic Dialogue concluded in Manama, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in support of regional and international peace and security.

The meeting, held under the theme Strengthening Strategic Cooperation to Support Peace and Security, was co-chaired by Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director-General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Alison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

Both sides discussed enhancing coordination on key regional and global challenges, with particular emphasis on Bahrain’s upcoming non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. Views were exchanged on priority issues before the Council, alongside opportunities to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation during Bahrain’s tenure.

The dialogue also reviewed progress under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), including efforts to strengthen collective deterrence, expand economic cooperation, and deepen partnerships in trade, science and technology with countries committed to regional stability.

Discussions further covered the promotion of shared values, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the development of trade and investment ties. Bahrain’s role as a regional logistics hub linking global supply chains was highlighted as a key driver of economic cooperation.

In a joint statement, both sides reaffirmed the importance of the Strategic Dialogue as a platform for advancing bilateral relations, regional security, and shared economic prosperity, and expressed their intention to continue holding the dialogue in the coming years. They also underscored their commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters, stressed the importance of safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and condemned actions that threaten maritime security in the region.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior Bahraini officials, including Yara Redha Faraj, Coordinator at the Office of the Prime Minister; Ambassador Rashid bin Abdulatif Al Zayani, Acting Head of the Strategic Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Saud Abdullah Yateem, Director of the Protection and Grievances Centre at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority; Salman Hassan Al Jalahma, Head of the Americas Affairs Sector; and Hatem Abdulhamid, Head of the Organisations Sector, alongside officials from the US Department of State.