Interior Minister receives US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence

Manama, Mar. 7 (BNA): Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, received today US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, Dana Stroul, and her accompanying delegation. Chief of Public Security, Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan, and President of Customs, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, attended. The Interior Minister welcomed the US official and her accompanying delegation, praising the visit that aims to reinforce solid ties and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States to protect regional security. He highlighted the main aspects of Bahrain’s humanitarian project of alternative penalties and open prisons programme. He highlighted that the project comes as part of the royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He stressed the importance of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the USA and its positive impacts on further strengthening bilateral ties. The Interior Minister hailed cooperation and coordination in counterterrorism and building coast guard capabilities to reinforce maritime security and safety. He noted the continuation of joint work and exchange of expertise between the two countries in facing regional and international security challenges. Meanwhile, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence expressed thanks and appreciation of the United States to the Kingdom for its support to the US Fifth Fleet, hailing cooperation between the two countries in promoting regional security. Both sides reviewed ways of boosting security cooperation and coordination and the development of customs agreements and memorandums of understanding to serve the interests of the two friendly countries.