HM King hails long-standing Bahrain-US ties

Manama, Apr.30 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa hailed long-standing solid ties binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America. HM the King was speaking as he received, at Al-Sakhir Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, US Ambassador Justin Hicks Siberell, who introduced to HM the King, members of the American expatriate community in Bahrain. HM the King delivered the following speech: "It is a great pleasure to meet you all today. I have always had great affection and admiration for the USA: the land of the free and the home of the brave. As President Truman once said, "America was built on courage and on imagination." It is a nation founded by pioneers – and we are delighted you have continued that tradition by coming to live in Bahrain. "Thank you for bringing your talents to our country. We are deeply grateful for the part you are playing in the prosperity of Bahrain, and we welcome you here most warmly. Today we celebrate the deep and special bond between our nations. The evidence of that friendship is all around us: from the hundreds of American businesses operating in Bahrain, to the mighty Fifth Fleet stationed in our waters. And there can be no greater symbol of our friendship than the American Mission Hospital. "Over a century ago an intrepid young American named Samuel Zwemer travelled from New Jersey to Arabia with a noble mission in his heart. The medical dispensary he opened in Manama became a hospital that has saved countless lives. "This hospital is a testament to American generosity of spirit – and a reminder of what we have in common. Here in Bahrain we have a hospital founded by a Christian mission, alongside mosques and churches, synagogues and temples. In the USA people of all faiths come to live the American Dream. We may be different nations, but we are united by this proud tradition of tolerance. "Together we share the dream of a world where we can all live alongside each other in peace and prosperity. I want to thank you once again for once helping to make this dream a reality – and for your friendship and commitment to Bahrain." The US ambassador delivered the following speech: "Your Majesty, allow me, on behalf of my fellow Americans here today, to begin by thanking you for your gracious hospitality in hosting us. It is a singular honor for each of us to be here today, and we are all aware of the symbolism this audience assumes in representing the long history of friendship and partnership between the United States and Bahrain. "Together with me today is an assemblage of Americans from across our community, representing a range and diversity of vocations and activities that mirrors the depth and complexity of our broader relationship. With me today are roughly 175 of my fellow Americans living in Bahrain out of a community, your Majesty, we estimate at roughly 17,000. In other words, if you’d like to see all of us, we’ll need to repeat this event every day for the next 100 days. "With you today, your Majesty, are doctors and engineers; sailors and pilots; teachers, students, pastors, athletes, chefs and entrepreneurs. Like Americans everywhere, we get involved in our community, and many of us are active in Bahraini society, as volunteers or members of community organizations, clubs and societies. "In Bahrain we have found a new community, a new home. Americans in Bahrain strive to play a positive role here and deeply appreciate the gracious hospitality, openness and kindness of the Bahraini people". "Through the individuals here today, we can trace the trajectory and history of the American presence in Bahrain. And thanks to your Majesty’s generosity, we have been able to include a number of special guests from the United States who embody the span of our more than 100 year history together. "As your Majesty has frequently observed, our friendship began with the arrival of a group of remarkable and selfless individuals who founded the American Mission. The first of those great Americans was Samuel Zwemer, who set up a medical dispensary in the Manama souq which grew into the American Mission Hospital". "His wife, Ann, was a nurse who cared for patients and opened a school for girls in the back room of their apartment above the medical dispensary. That school lives on today as Al Raja School, still one of Bahrain’s finest schools. "Ann and Samuel Zwemer’s only two children, daughters Ruth and Katherina died within days of one another in 1904 during a cholera epidemic. Both are buried in the cemetery in old Manama. The Zwemers literally gave all they had to their life of service and in Bahrain. "With us today is Mr. Ken Neevel, the great nephew of Samuel and Ann Zwemer, who traveled to be here from the State of Michigan. He continues to be involved with the Reformed Church in America, the organization with whom the Zwemer’s were associated. Thank you for coming back to Bahrain for today’s event, Ken. "Among the legions of wonderful individuals associated with the American Mission Hospital, perhaps no one has been as beloved as the legendary Dr. Harold Storm. With his trademark black doctor’s bag, Dr. Storm traveled throughout Bahrain and the Gulf region delivering care for more than 30 years, and he left us memorable accounts of his travels. With us today, your Majesty is his son, Robert Storm, along with his daughter and grandchild – three generations of Storms. "Of course, another pillar of our bilateral relationship has been our mutual commitment to the security of this vital region. Bahrain has hosted the United States Navy for more than 70 years. In that time, generations of sailors and their families have enjoyed some of the best years of their lives through the generous hospitality and friendship of the Bahraini government and people. "Today, the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet are based in Bahrain, and they stand at the very center of our strong security partnership. We have a number of officers and enlisted men and women from Navcent with us today, led of course by Admiral Chris Aquilino, whose tour as your Majesty is aware, concludes in just a few days. We also are honored therefore to have the incoming Commander of the Fifth Fleet, Vice Admiral Scott Stearney and his wife Shelley with us. "But to mark this occasion for all it represents, we brought a third Admiral – the founding Commander of Fifth Fleet and the first commander of NAVCENT, Admiral Scott Redd and his wife Donna, who lived in Bahrain between 1994 and 1996. We are delighted to have you with us. "Your Majesty, we know that Bahrain’s engagement with the United States Armed Forces has not been limited to the U.S. Navy. Indeed, we are aware that Your Majesty’s own experience at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas was a particularly meaningful one that shaped your views of the openness and fundamental goodness of the American people. "We wanted to honor your association with Fort Leavenworth today. And to do so, we had the great fortune to find one of your classmates, General Henry Drewfs, who along with his wife Sharon, has come to Bahrain to be with us. We’re quite certain the General has some stories to tell, perhaps best left for later. "One of the strongest connections Bahrain and America share is through business and trade. Beginning with the partnerships between BAPCO, Standard Oil, and Texaco, and continuing today through our Free Trade Agreement, and the increasing presence of U.S. companies in Bahrain (we count over 200 now), business has long formed a key pillar of our relationship. "Two way trade in goods and services between our countries now exceeds 3 billion dollars. On Friday, Gulf Air took delivery of its first Boeing 787; and through the new Mondelez Plant that opened earlier this month, packaging on the world-famous Oreo Cookie will proudly proclaim 'Made in Bahrain'. "We have representatives from all sectors of our business community here today, Your Majesty. It is a robust and growing community. In conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain, I would like to express thanks to several companies for their support and involvement in the preparation for today’s event: Bechtel, Federal Express, General Electric Compression, WoodServ, Lockheed Martin and American Express. "In order for any two nations to truly be aligned, their people must work together, not just in business and trade, but across all aspects of society. Today we are represented by many community organizations, from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to Little League Baseball, to a variety of religious groups. "One of these organizations, the American Women’s Association, started with just seven women 44 years ago, and now boasts a membership of more than 200, all committed to promoting charity, friendship and cultural understanding among the women of Bahrain. I want to thank our new AWA President, Angela de Greef, for being here today and representing women of all nationalities here in Bahrain who are part of the AWA. "Finally, Your Majesty, our relationship has been built and sustained by the commitment and wisdom of our two nations’ political leaderships, who have worked together in building and expanding the blessings of peace, stability and prosperity in this vital region. Ours is a strong bond based on shared interests and a commitment to common principles. "No one can ever forget Bahrain’s support to the Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield or the support to the US in the early days after the 9/11 attacks. No one can ever forget the response of Bahrain’s helicopters in support of the rescue operation of the US warship which came under attack in the Gulf waters. Bahrain has also supported us in all circumstances and were deeply grateful to your unflinching commitment to this relation which witnessed challenges and victories. "Your Majesty’s meeting with President Trump in Riyadh, as well as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad’s successful trip to Washington in November, are clear examples of this important engagement. We are grateful to your Majesty your firm commitment to this relationship over many years, many challenges, many triumphs. We have negotiated those together through your wise counsel and attention. "After leadership and the people provide their guidance, we rely on envoys and diplomats to carry forward our relations. And, of course, no one has done that better than Ambassador Johnny Young, whose service in Bahrain coincided with the passing of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Your Majesty’s becoming Emir. A gifted diplomat, and three-time Ambassador, Ambassador Young left behind a legacy of friendship and kindness across Bahrain that continues to resonate with the Bahraini people. "Once again, Your Majesty, please allow me to thank you on behalf of all of our colleagues in the room today and the entire American community resident in Bahrain for this great honor". "As you see before you, our community reflects America itself. We hail from across our country and all walks of life. Some of us were born in America; others of us became American along the way. Indeed, one of us, Wendy Paola Puertas Viloria, took the oath as a naturalized American citizen just two weeks ago right here at our Embassy in Bahrain". "However, we all share one thing in common; we are all Americans who chose to come to Bahrain to live and work. And we are grateful for that opportunity". "In conclusion, thank you once again for the warm hospitality that has been the hallmark of Bahrain for the American community over the last one hundred years. We appreciate your support and your kindness, and we look forward to another century of close Bahraini-American friendship." Bahrain School students performed songs and musical pieces. US Ambassador Justin Hicks Siberell said that he shared with HM the King his passion for horses, valuing the efforts of the Royal Family, to preserve the pure Arab and Bahraini breed. He presented to HM the King a unique saddle along with a bag in the colors of Bahraini flag, crafted by M.L. Lady Family in Texas, "Gift to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa from the King. Vice Admiral John C. Aquilino, of US Navy Fifth Fleet, also presented a commemorative gift to HM the King. HM the King was presented with commemorative a gift by class mate at Fort Leavenworth, Brigadier Henry Drewfs. HM the King was also presented with gifts by Kenneth Neevel, great nephew of Dr. Samuel Zwemer, and Robert Storm, son of a famed American Mission Hospital doctor W. Harold Storm. Angela De Greef, the newly elected President of the American Women’s Association, in her speech, said the American Women’s Association was first started its business in Bahrain in 1974 with only seven women working to provide support for the American community. Four years later the Association attracted approximately 200 women to provide support for 35 charity institutions. De Greef expressed thanks for HM the King’s support that assisted in promoting charity works, friendship and cultural understanding among Bahraini women. Lisa Gibboney, Bahrain Chair of the Girl Scouts, which is an international service organization that builds courage, confidence and character in young girls, accompanied with Miss Rosa Priest and Miss Kayden Black presented HM the King with a commemorative gift. HM the King decorated Vice Admiral John C. Aquilion of the US Navy Fifth Fleet with the Order of Bahrain in recognition of his efforts in bolstering Bahraini-US cooperation in military and defence fields. HM the King wished him success in his future missions. HM the King praised the solid longstanding relations and military cooperation between the two countries. MJ / AHN