HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister attends a reception for Bahraini and American companies
Washington, July 16 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today attended a reception hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at its headquarters, bringing together Bahraini and American companies.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court was in attendance.
Collaboration between firms from the private sectors of Bahrain and the United States will be announced during His Royal Highness’s official visit to United States.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was received by Ross Perot Jr., Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister attributed the progress witnessed across all sectors, including the economy, to the ambitious vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and to the tireless efforts and determination of Team Bahrain in building a more prosperous future for the Kingdom.
His Royal Highness noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to champion the expansion of international partnerships that deepen economic growth and attract valuable investment opportunities.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad highlighted the importance of supporting bilateral economic and investment cooperation by strengthening existing partnerships, which contributes to the development of key sectors.
His Royal Highness affirmed that the private sector in both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States serves as a vital partner in advancing greater cooperation between the two countries.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister went on to highlight that bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States are based on the strong foundations of friendship and joint cooperation, which are strengthened by strategic partnerships across diverse sectors spanning over 130 years.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad commented that strengthening cooperation between the two countries is crucial to create opportunities for development through joint investments, expertise exchange, and partnerships that advance mutual interests.
On behalf of HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, delivered an address in which he conveyed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s deep appreciation for the warm hospitality and the efforts of the American Chamber of Commerce in organising the reception. The reception also marked the announcement of new partnerships during the official visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to the United States.
His Excellency also welcomed the investment package between the private sectors of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, valued at approximately USD 17 billion, which encompasses agreements across the fields of aviation, technology, industry, and investment. The Minister of Finance and National Economy emphasised that this cooperation reflects the mutual trust and robust partnership between the two countries.
His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa affirmed that Bahrain continues to strengthen its position as a leading investment destination and a strategic partner for the United States in the Arabian Gulf region. This is supported by Bahrain’s open economic environment, advanced legislative framework, and established trade agreements—most notably the Free Trade Agreement—which serve as a gateway for American companies to access lucrative regional markets. His Excellency concluded by encouraging the American business community to capitalise on these unique opportunities and forge sustainable partnerships with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Royal Highness and Ross Perot Jr. then witnessed the announcements and signing ceremony of several agreements between the private sectors of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States that are valued at an approximate USD 17 billion, as follows:
1. Digital solutions for the government’s information and telecommunications network from Cisco, signed on behalf of Bahrain by His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States of America, and on the American side by Nicole Isaac, Vice President, Global Public Policy, Government Affairs at Cisco.
2. The establishment of an 800 km multi-fiber submarine cable linking the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Iraq with global networks. The agreement was signed on behalf of Bahrain by Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, and by David Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer of SubCom, on the American side.
In addition, the following was announced:
1. The launch of direct flights between the Kingdom of Bahrain and New York City, United States of America.
2. Strategic cooperation between Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company and several American companies, with a total investment value reaching USD 2 billion, aimed at creating job opportunities in aluminum-related downstream industries.
3. A collective investment of USD 10.7 billion in the United States by several financial institutions and private sector firms from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The reception was also attended by senior officials and private sector representatives from both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States.
