Bahrain Says Partnership with US Strengthens Regional, Global Security

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
TT
20

Bahrain Says Partnership with US Strengthens Regional, Global Security

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during his meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken (BNA)

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that the Kingdom and the US would continue to boost their cooperation, reiterating the importance of pushing bilateral ties to advanced levels.

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said that during his official visit to the US, Crown Prince Salman received the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

During the meeting, Prince Salman lauded the relations between Bahrain and the United States, saying they brought about an ongoing strategic partnership that has strengthened regional and global security, peace, stability, and development.

The Crown Prince underscored the importance of peaceful and diplomatic ways to resolve various global issues. He discussed with Blinken bilateral relations and ways to develop cooperation and increase coordination between the two countries.

Prince Salman noted the importance of the Strategic Dialogue held between Bahrain and the United States, which aims to enhance regional security, prosperity, and economic and trade development, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

At the meeting, the officials reviewed existing longstanding relations and explored further cooperation and coordination. They also discussed regional and international issues and developments of common interest.

For his part, the US Secretary stressed the importance of pushing the Bahraini-US relations towards broader horizons at various levels, praising Manama’s support and partnership on multiple issues as an essential strategic non-NATO ally, especially those related to security and stability.

On Monday, the Secretary of State and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, launched the second US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced in a statement on Wednesday that Blinken met with Bahrain’s Crown Prince in Washington, and they welcomed the launch of the second US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue.

Price said the two officials discussed a range of bilateral and regional policy matters, including joint peace and security initiatives, economic cooperation, and steps to advance human rights.

They also addressed Russia’s “unjustified” attack against Ukraine.

Secretary Blinken commended Bahrain for voting in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The Secretary also thanked the Crown Prince for Bahrain’s contribution in facilitating the safe transit of evacuees from Afghanistan and commended Bahrain for advancing its ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.

Later, the Crown Prince met with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, at the Pentagon. They discussed the military and defense partnership which spans 75 years.

They also addressed issues of common interest and the importance of enhancing defense cooperation and coordination to support international efforts to strengthen security, stability, and development.



Saudi Arabia, US Ink Largest Defense Sales Agreement in History as Trump Visits Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomes US President Donald Trump at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomes US President Donald Trump at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. (SPA)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia, US Ink Largest Defense Sales Agreement in History as Trump Visits Riyadh

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomes US President Donald Trump at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, welcomes US President Donald Trump at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and the United States signed on Tuesday the largest defense sales agreement in history, worth nearly early $142 billion, as President Donald Trump visited Riyadh.

The agreement will provide Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defense firms, said a White House statement.

The sales that the US intends to complete fall into five broad categories: air force advancement and space capabilities; air and missile defense; maritime and coastal security; border security and land forces modernization; and information and communication systems upgrades.

The package also includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services, added the statement.

“This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” it stressed.

“Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump’s leadership, and the package signed today, the largest defense cooperation deal in US history, is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthening our partnership,” it said.

“The agreement opens the door for expanded US defense industry participation and long-term sustainment partnerships with Saudi entities.”

“The deepening United States-Saudi Arabia partnership reflects a joint vision for long-term prosperity and employment opportunities in both nations,” said the statement.

Trump had arrived in the Kingdom earlier on Tuesday on his first overseas trip since his reelection. He was received by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The leaders later chaired the Saudi-American summit that reviewed several joint files.

They then signed an economic strategic partnership agreement and oversaw the signing of several agreements between their countries in various fields.