On Monday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Bahrain’s Minister of the Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, signed an Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) agreement. The arrangement aims to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Bahrain.
The EBSP is designed to improve security for both countries by deterring illegal immigration and preventing the movement of drugs, trafficked individuals, and terrorists. A key part of the partnership is the automated exchange of biometric data between Bahrain and DHS. This measure seeks to prevent criminals, terrorists, and fraudulent actors from traveling to or obtaining benefits in the United States.
“Today, I was honored to host Bahrain’s Minister of the Interior, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, to announce and sign an Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) between the United States and Bahrain. This partnership will help Bahrain and the U.S. further safeguard both countries, deter illegal immigration, and stop the flow of drugs, trafficked individuals, and terrorists—making both our countries even more secure,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Thanks to our work with international partners like Bahrain, we are making America safe again. And by making America safer, we are making the world safer as well.”
Bahrain is home to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), which is described as the largest U.S. Coast Guard installation outside of the United States. PATFORSWA works alongside the Naval Fifth Fleet in support of U.S. security interests in coordination with regional partners including Bahrain. With six Fast Response Cutters and over 300 personnel stationed there, PATFORSWA focuses on protecting national security by stopping arms shipments, illicit trade activities, narcotics trafficking, and deterring other threats in the region.
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