The United States and Bahrain concluded the fourth annual U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., led by U.S. Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs Ambassador John Bass and Bahrain's Under Secretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. This dialogue underscores the two nations' commitment to enhancing security, fostering economic growth, strengthening cultural ties, and upholding fundamental rights.
"The Strategic Dialogue reflects the commitment of the United States and Bahrain to enhancing bilateral and regional security, fostering economic innovation and prosperity, strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties, and upholding fundamental rights and values," said the joint statement.
Discussions covered various areas including border security, counterterrorism, energy security, trusted technology, education, cultural exchange, trade, and investment. These discussions operationalize priorities outlined in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in September 2023 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The United States praised Bahrain's leadership as Arab League president and host of the 33rd Arab Summit. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful region by ending the war in Gaza permanently, releasing hostages and detainees, rebuilding Gaza, and expanding humanitarian aid. They reiterated support for a two-state solution for Palestinians and Israelis.
The dialogue also highlighted Bahrain's role in maintaining regional security through "Operation Prosperity Guardian" and condemned Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Both sides called for the release of detained personnel in Yemen.
Conversations emphasized shared values like respect for sovereignty as per international law embedded in the UN Charter. The dialogue noted universal values such as human rights while praising Bahrain’s leadership in countering trafficking in persons.
Economic cooperation was discussed within the context of the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement signed 20 years ago. Recent developments include a “Patent Prosecution Highway” pilot project to accelerate patent claims treatment. Both nations are determined to maintain cooperation on developing the U.S. Trade Zone and establishing direct flights between Bahrain and the U.S., focusing on telecommunications expansion using Open RAN technology, clean energy technology collaboration, tourism promotion, cybersecurity measures, digital transformation initiatives, and combating climate change through carbon capture technologies.
Educational exchanges remain vital with U.S. universities being popular destinations for Bahraini students. Joint academic research aims to enhance curriculum development relevant to today's marketplace needs. An MOU on youth affairs was signed this year alongside preparations for a Statement of Intent on Cultural Heritage to combat criminal misuse of art markets.
Both countries plan to expand programs enhancing information sharing related to mutual legal assistance against threats like terrorism or cyber-attacks while maintaining strong collaboration on counter-terrorism financing efforts.
The next Strategic Dialogue is scheduled for 2025 with follow-up sessions planned throughout promoting progress on specific initiatives reflecting close partnership intentions towards securing a safe future together.
