Pompeo thanks King Hamad for Bahrain’s continued friendship, strategic partnership with US

Manama, Jan. 11 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, and Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In a statement, Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said that the Secretary thanked the King, the Crown Prince, and the Foreign Minister for Bahrain’s continued friendship and strategic partnership with the United States. The meeting addressed critical priorities, including counterterrorism, Yemen, and countering the Iranian regime’s dangerous activities, and agreed on the importance of all parties continuing to work with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths toward a comprehensive political solution to the conflict in Yemen, Palladino added. Discussions also covered Bahrain’s support for religious coexistence and freedom of religion, and the conclusion of parliamentary elections including the election of the first female Speaker of the Council of Representatives. The meeting also discussed realising the Middle East Strategic Alliance, anchored by a united Gulf Cooperation Council, to stand against the Iranian regime’s malign influence and advance the prosperity, security, and stability of the region. The Secretary expressed his gratitude for the role Bahrain plays, particularly through hosting the United States Fifth Fleet, and in supporting a variety of regional priorities, Palladino said.