HM King receives new US Fifth Fleet Commander

Manama, Aug.23 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has today received, at Al-Safriya Palace, the new Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo. HM the King welcomed Vice Admiral Paparo and congratulated him on assuming his duties, wishing him success to achieve all that serves security and peace in the region. He praised strategic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, as well deep-rooted ties as allies and partners. He hailed steadily-growing joint cooperation, especially in the military and defence fields, adding that the decades-old ties are based on mutual trust, respect and keenness on achieving the goals and interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. Issues of common interest and regional developments were also discussed. Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo praised HM the King’s keenness on strengthening historic relations of friendship and consolidating military and defence cooperation.