His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, at the White House, in Washington DC. He highlighted the Kingdom’s long-standing strategic alliance with the United States, a relationship that continues to develop and strengthen, with the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Bahrain and the US have had formal diplomatic relations for over 50 years, and the Fifth Fleet’s headquarters have been in Bahrain for over 75 years, making it the longest-held permanent US military installation in the Middle East. As a way to safeguard global security, he also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to an international rule-based order.
According to him, it is imperative to strengthen the cooperative relationship and coordination between the United States and Bahrain to meet their shared aspirations. In his remarks, Prince Salman pointed out that the US Trade Zone was inaugurated recently in Bahrain, as part of a package of new strategic projects designed to spur economic growth and attract investment. In fostering regional and international stability, security, and peace, he called for the United States to play a prominent role.
The Vice President expressed her pleasure at meeting His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad, reaffirming the strong relations between Bahrain and the United States, adding that Bahrain is a major non-NATO ally. She explained that Bahrain is a valuable strategic security partner which hosts the Fifth Fleet and Joint Naval Forces Command. While also acknowledging Bahrain’s strategic support during last year’s evacuations from Afghanistan and relief efforts.