U.S. Embassy celebrates National Day, 10th FTA anniversary

Manama, Apr. 19 (BNA): The U.S. Embassy in Manama celebrated the 240th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America on board USS Harry S. Truman at Khalifa bin Salman Port on April 19, 2016. The U.S. Embassy’s National Day reception provides an important opportunity to celebrate the longstanding bonds of friendship between Bahrain and the United States, encapsulated in today’s strong strategic partnership between the two nations. During the event, Ambassador Roebuck reviewed over one hundred years of Bahraini-American friendship. This year’s celebration highlighted the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In summarizing the positive effect that the FTA has had on trade relations between Bahrain and the United States, including the doubling of trade between the two nations since the FTA came into force, Ambassador Roebuck said, "The U.S.-Bahrain FTA is a sign of our faith in the strength and transparency of Bahrain’s economy, and in the value we place on bilateral trade and investment with Bahrain." The National Day reception took place on USS Harry S. Truman, hosted by Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces, Rear Admiral Bret Batchelder, Commander Carrier Strike Group EIGHT, and Captain Ryan Scholl, Skipper of the USS Harry S. Truman, each of whom welcomed guests and highlighted the strong military-to-military ties that exist between Bahrain and the United States. The Harry S. Truman Strike Group deployed from the United States in November 2015, with six ships, more than 6,000 Sailors and 70 aircraft. Since late December, they have conducted operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to demonstrate a continued commitment to the region and Gulf partner nations. Ministers and senior government officials, diplomats, businessmen, Shura Council members, members of Parliament, academics, and journalists attended the ceremony. Guests were invited to tour the flight deck of the Harry S. Truman.