Speaker hails strategic Bahrain-US relations

Manama, Jan. 31 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, has stressed the "depth of the deep-rooted strategic" Bahrain-US relations, noting that ties between the two friendly countries are characterised by solid cooperation in various fields, particularly the economic and trade ones, citing the existing cooperation agreements between them. The speaker expressed her pride in the distinguished relations between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the US Administration, led by President Donald Trump, lauding the US key role in supporting the region’s security and stability, as well as rejection of external interference. She also praised the two countries’ common vision regarding war on terror and terrorist groups. The speaker made the statements as she received here today the US Ambassador to Bahrain, Justin Hicks Siberell, and discussed with him ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the parliamentary and other fields for the best interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples. Zainal highlighted the Representatives Council’s keenness to bolster cooperation with the US through exchanging legislative expertise, and launching joint programmes, including workshops and exchanged visits between MPs and the Secretariat-General’s staff. Ambassador Justin Siberell congratulated Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal on her election as Speaker of the Council of Representatives, describing it as a landmark civilisational Bahraini achievement that adds to the rich record of the Bahraini women. He also expressed hope that cooperation and coordination between the two countries and their friendly peoples will be enhanced. The envoy expressed his pride in the long-standing Bahraini-US relations, as well as in the outstanding achievements of the kingdom in various fields, and the remarkable progress of its democratic process over the past years.