Washington, Oct. 1 (BNA):  As part of his current visit to the United States, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, held an extensive meeting with Kristi Noem, US Secretary of Homeland Security.

The meeting was attended by Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the US Coast Guard; Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States; Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs; and members of the accompanying delegation.

Upon his arrival at the headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security, the Interior Minister was received by the US Secretary of Homeland Security, where an official reception ceremony was held.

The US Secretary of Homeland Security welcomed the visit, affirming its importance in strengthening security cooperation and coordination, developing bilateral relations, and opening further prospects for joint collaboration.  She noted the strategic relations between the two countries, which have developed over years of close cooperation.

The Interior Minister delivered a speech in which he affirmed that for more than a century, Bahrain and the United States have stood together in pursuit of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.  He said that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the US, this partnership has flourished, rooted in mutual respect and a common commitment to promoting international security and stability.

He added that Bahrain’s commitment to this relationship was reaffirmed during the recent visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which underscored Bahrain’s determination to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States.

The Interior Minister praised the achievements of the US Secretary of Homeland Security, reflecting her commitment to law, order, and national security, and commended the efforts of the department in safeguarding the United States and contributing to global security and public safety.

He pointed out that the priorities of the US Administration border security, strengthening supply chains, and reinforcing strategic alliances are fully aligned with Bahrain’s security objectives.  He noted that the signing of a memorandum of cooperation will further enhance the security of both countries, and expressed Bahrain’s aspiration to join the US Visa Waiver Programme, an outcome made possible through years of mutual trust and cooperation.

The Interior Minister confirmed that the memorandum complements the broader framework of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA).  With the United Kingdom joining earlier this year, the agreement has become a platform for cooperation in security, emerging technologies, and economic development.

He expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keenness to deepen maritime cooperation based on the historic partnership between the US Coast Guard and Bahrain’s Coast Guard, and to work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that C-SIPA remains effective, future-oriented, and supportive of regional stability.

He also noted that this milestone coincides with a new chapter in relations between the two countries, as Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, will launch its first direct flight to the United States on October 1, arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport.  He emphasised that this vital link will strengthen commercial and investment relations, expand opportunities for officials and investors, and open new avenues for tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

The Interior Minister concluded his speech by affirming Bahrain’s readiness to build on this foundation, working with the United States to promote initiatives that safeguard both nations and set new standards for partnership, security, and prosperity in the years ahead.

Following the speech, the Interior Minister and the US Secretary of Homeland Security signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of border security.  The memorandum aims to exchange information to protect the security of both countries, and to carry out checks related to borders, immigration, and travellers, in order to prevent the entry of individuals deemed ineligible due to terrorism, crime, or national security concerns.

Subsequently, bilateral talks were held, during which the Interior Minister highlighted the security and stability enjoyed by the Kingdom of Bahrain under the directives of His Majesty the King.  In this context, he referred to the record decline in the overall crime rate, as well as measures adopted through community partnership and effective programmes and initiatives to enhance community security, most notably the Alternative Sentencing Project and the Open Prisons Programme.

He affirmed that His Majesty the King’s reform project has established the principles of justice, coexistence, and openness as solid foundations within Bahraini society, which have strengthened national capabilities to address security challenges.

During the discussion, the Interior Minister expressed his pride in the level of security cooperation and coordination between Bahrain and the United States, based on the deep historical relations and the strategic partnership between the two countries.  He stressed the importance of continuing cooperation, coordination, and exchange of expertise within the framework of the C-SIPA, signed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister during his visit to the United States.

He reviewed means of exchanging expertise and information, adopting effective measures to confront challenges, and benefiting from modern technologies.  In this context, discussions covered cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, training and capacity building, visa waiver arrangements, and maritime security.

The two sides also agreed to study the formation of a joint committee for security cooperation and coordination, explore the development of several areas of joint work and capacity building, and expand bilateral cooperation.  They also discussed a number of regional and international security issues, contributing to the preservation of security and the strengthening of joint efforts to address current security challenges.

H.F, A.A