U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Bahraini Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa led the fifth U.S.-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on January 26, 2026, in Manama. The event emphasized the ongoing partnership between the United States and Bahrain under President Donald J. Trump and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. According to both governments, the dialogue is a reflection of their shared commitment to advancing peace, strengthening regional and maritime security, and expanding economic opportunities.
Acting Under Secretary Shaikh Abdulla highlighted progress achieved through the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) as well as outcomes from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s July 2025 visit to the United States. Under Secretary Hooker described the U.S.-Bahraini relationship as a model for cooperation on regional and global challenges. She also congratulated Bahrain on its non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027 and expressed U.S. readiness to work closely with Bahrain "to advance international peace and security." Hooker also acknowledged Bahrain’s decision to join the Board of Peace as a Founding Member, stating that it "highlights Bahrain’s commitment to support the full implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan." Discussions included strategic priorities such as the Abraham Accords, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and maritime security.
The two sides addressed cooperation in counterterrorism, law enforcement, and border security to respond to evolving threats including unmanned aircraft systems. They reviewed progress since signing an Enhanced Border Security Agreement in September 2025, which aims to safeguard both countries by deterring illegal immigration and preventing drug trafficking and terrorism. Both governments stressed confronting transnational threats related to terrorist travel and financing. The United States recognized Bahrain's Tier 1 status in the Trafficking in Person’s report for eight consecutive years as evidence of national efforts toward victim protection and legal framework improvements.
Economic relations between the two nations continue to grow. In July 2025, Bahrain announced plans to invest over $17 billion in new commercial deals with U.S. companies—these include purchases from Boeing and GE Aerospace, partnerships with Oracle and Cisco, investments in U.S. aluminum production, and peaceful nuclear cooperation initiatives. The countries marked the signing of a Critical Minerals Framework designed to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals needed by advanced industries.
The dialogue also acknowledged historical ties dating back to 1889 with the establishment of an American hospital during Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa’s reign—a relationship being commemorated this year by Bahrain. During this meeting, both governments signed a Statement on Cooperation in Cultural Heritage aimed at preventing criminal exploitation of art markets. There were also commitments made regarding educational partnerships, English language programs, workforce development initiatives, internships, cultural exchanges marking America’s 250th anniversary, preservation projects, and sports diplomacy.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to their strategic partnership across key issues with plans for future dialogue sessions in Washington.
