Foreign Ministry Undersecretary meets US officials

Washington, Feb.23 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, today held high-level meetings with US Administration Officials, on the sidelines of the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) meetings, currently held in Washington to discuss political and security frameworks. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa met with US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Middle East Affairs, Mike Melroy, in the presence of representatives of the Bahrain Defense Force. During the meeting, he praised the historical relations and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, based on strong foundations and various elements that have brought the two friendly countries together for more than a century, particularly in matters relating to security and defense. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also noted that Bahrain hosts the facilities of the Central Command of the US Navy, is a non-NATO strategic ally and participates in regional and international military alliances to combat terrorism and ensure freedom, praising in this regard the active and noble role of the Bahrain Defense Force in promoting regional stability. He affirmed that Iran is the number one sponsor of terrorism in the region and that conflicts in the Middle East arose mostly because of regional forces’ greed to dominate the region and tamper with its security through systematic terrorism. He expressed Bahrain's appreciation of the policies of President Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, in combating Iranian interference in the region and fighting terrorism and extremism. “MESA creation will contribute to security and prosperity in the region," said Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, adding that the Kingdom of Bahrain views this alliance as a security and economic partnership, especially that the Middle East challenges are complex and far extending in addition to being universal and deep-rooted. Therefore, he said, these challenges must be addressed through well-thought measures and effective steps and require at the same comprehensiveness, depth and international cooperation. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also met with Dr. Victoria Kotis, Senior Middle East Director - Office of the National Security Advisor - at the White House and reviewed the close bilateral ties and partnership on which the permanent relations are based, notably in security and defense fields. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs emphasized that the special and distinguished relationship between the two countries represents a solid pillar of regional security. The United States is making significant and important efforts to enhance security and stability in the Middle East and Bahrain is its important security partner and ally in the region that proved its effectiveness and importance in maintaining the common interests of the two countries, and the Gulf region. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed the importance of activating MESA to enhance the security and development paths for better security and welfare of the peoples of the region. He said the wise vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is the best way to achieve peace and prosperity throughout the region as it targets reform, moderation, tolerance, coexistence, positive cooperation, investment in human resources and sustainable development. These, he said, are the very areas in which the Kingdom of Bahrain has made big strides to represent an exemplary model of progress, freedom and development, despite regional challenges and global crises. The meeting also touched on several issues of mutual concern, mainly the development of security cooperation and combating terrorism and countering Iran’s threats to regional stability.