Bahrain Ambassador: HRH the Crown Prince’s official visit to Washington marks a pivotal moment in Bahrain-US ties
Washington, July 18 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, was received in Washington, D.C. by His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States, during an official visit aimed at strengthening the close bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States, described the visit as a pivotal milestone in the strategic and growing partnership between the two countries, and a renewed reflection of their longstanding historical relations under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He noted that the visit opened new horizons for cooperation across various domains.
The ambassador said the visit represents a significant strategic point in the historical relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, which spans more than 130 years of close partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and strategic interests.
During the official visit to Washington, His Highness met with HE President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the US Secretary of Defense, the US Trade Representative, and senior officials across the US administration. Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid highlighted that these high level meetings reflected the depth of mutual trust between the two countries and opened new avenues for cooperation in defence, trade, energy, and digital infrastructure. He emphasised Bahrain’s central role as a reliable strategic partner in promoting regional security and stability.
The visit also underscored the importance of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), the strategic framework signed between Bahrain and the US in 2023. He noted the recent accession of the United Kingdom to the agreement following a joint invitation by Bahrain and the US, reflecting its growing international dimension and role in enhancing regional security through multilateral partnerships.
On the economic front, the ambassador highlighted the signing of a US$4.6 billion agreement between Gulf Air and Boeing to purchase 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This deal will support the airline’s growth and expansion plans and boost its presence in Western markets. It also led to the announcement of a new direct flight between Bahrain and New York (JFK), strengthening trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a vital hub between East and West.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid also noted that Bahrain’s direct investments in the US economy amount to approximately US$10.7 billion through Bahraini financial institutions and companies, reflecting the strength and strategic importance of the bilateral economic partnership.
In the energy sector, the ambassador noted the signing of a bilateral agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aimed at enhancing scientific and technical cooperation while supporting Bahrain’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060 and to global environmental and climate goals.
He also underlined the signing of a government digital transformation agreement with Cisco, marking a significant step in strengthening Bahrain’s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation and technology. He said this step reflects the Kingdom’s open economic environment, advanced regulatory framework, and network of international trade agreements, foremost among them the Bahrain–US Free Trade Agreement, which positions Bahrain as a preferred gateway for American companies into markets in the region.
The ambassador highlighted the significance of HRH’s meeting with Vice President JD Vance, which covered strategic cooperation in economic growth, innovation, and security, and reflected the two countries’ shared vision for a broader and more impactful partnership.
He also underscored the importance of HRH’s meeting with the US Trade Representative, which discussed means to deepen trade cooperation and activate existing frameworks to enhance investment opportunities and market access.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid emphasised that the official visit of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to the United States reflects the strategic vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to strengthen Bahrain’s international strategic partnerships.
He added that the outcomes and agreements resulting from the visit reflect the depth and ongoing development of Bahrain–US relations across defence, trade, energy, and technology, reinforcing the two countries’ shared commitment to building a more prosperous and stable future.
