Interior Minister meets US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs

Washington, June 29 (BNA): Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs and Acting Coordinator for the Bureau of Counterterrorism, Timothy Betts. Bahraini Ambassador to the United States Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Deputy Chief of Public Security, Major-General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, were present. The US official highlighted its importance of developing the existing friendship between the two countries. He noted the continuation of the reinforcement of security cooperation and coordination and exchange of expertise between the two countries, especially in training programs and the latest equipment and technologies. Betts hailed the counterterrorism efforts of Bahrain and the fight against all forms of terrorism support and financing. The minister stressed the efforts of the Interior Ministry in protecting the security and reinforcing stability through developing and modernising security work, fighting crimes, developing police operations and achieving performance excellence to provide high-security services. Shaikh Rashid hailed security cooperation and the level of exchange of expertise between the Kingdom and the United States as part of the strategic partnership and strong ties between the two friendly countries. The meeting reviewed the significance of joint work in various security fields, including cybersecurity, joint exercises and related memorandums of understanding. Both sides reviewed topics to develop joint cooperation.