Interior Minister meets US Director of National Intelligence
Washington, Oct. 1 (BNA): General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, met with Tulsi Gabbard, United States Director of National Intelligence, as part of the Minister’s visit to the United States.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), and members of the delegation accompanying the Minister, were present.
The US Director of National Intelligence emphasised the importance of the Minister’s visit in advancing bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation. She commended the strategic partnership between the two countries across multiple sectors of cooperation and joint action.
The Minister of Interior underscored Bahrain’s commitment to continuing its civilisational approach, promoting openness, coexistence, and supporting peace, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He commended the relations and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States, as well as their joint efforts to enhance regional stability.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah highlighted the importance of developing mechanisms for the exchange of expertise, further strengthening cooperation, and addressing shared challenges in the interest of both countries.
The meeting also discussed security and strategic matters, in addition to emerging security challenges requiring enhanced cooperation and coordination to address them effectively.
Additionally, the Minister of Interior also met with William F. Wechsler, Senior Director of the Middle East Programmes at the Atlantic Council. He commended the Minister’s visit to the Council and interest in engaging with think tanks, research centres, and decision-making circles.
The Minister commended the role of the Atlantic Council in building a shared vision and advancing strategic thinking through the preparation of studies, strategic analyses, and future-oriented assessments in the fields of national security and foreign policy. He noted the role of think tanks in correcting misinformation across media platforms.
Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah also emphasised the importance of the memorandum of cooperation signed between the Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security in the field of border security, which focuses on information sharing to safeguard the security and safety of both countries’ territories. He noted that enhancing border security requires international agreements that support the employment of modern technologies in this field.
The Minister further highlighted several projects and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Interior, including alternative sentencing and advanced rehabilitation programmes. He emphasised the importance of protecting the future and expanding partnerships to safeguard youth, particularly given that extremism and intolerance continue to pose significant threats that must be addressed to protect them.
The meeting also discussed a range of security topics, alongside efforts aimed at strengthening regional security.
