Blinken says goal is to 'build a region that is more secure, that’s more prosperous'
London, Thursday, 14 September 2023
In order to increase security and defence cooperation amid escalating power competition in the region, the US and Bahrain signed a new strategic security and economic agreement on Wednesday.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the crown prince of Bahrain and the nation's prime minister, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the agreement during a ceremony at the State Department.
According to Blinken, "this agreement will enhance the integration of our intelligence capabilities and the coordination between our armed forces, enabling us to even better deter and respond to threats as they arise."
He continued by saying that it strengthens the two nations' economic ties and that they are working together in fields like digital technology and health security.
"We'll start the process of working together on renewable energy, on carbon capture technologies, and on other cutting-edge endeavours," he said.
A shared objective of working together to create a region that is more secure, wealthy, and economically integrated is at the core of the pact, according to Blinken.
We're eager to use this agreement as a foundation for other nations who might want to join us in promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and technological innovation.
The deal, according to Al Khalifa, "will be the foundation for a new global architecture."
"Hopefully, we'll be welcome more members. That, in my opinion, is just as important as the choices made in the wake of numerous past world revolutions.
Al Khalifa met with Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, in the White House following the signing ceremony.
According to a readout from the meeting released by the White House, "Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the United States' enduring commitment to Bahrain's security and thanked the Crown Prince for Bahrain's steadfast partnership, including hosting the Fifth Fleet of the U.S. Navy and the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command."
"Both sides welcomed the signing today of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a landmark new framework for enhancing cooperation across a range of areas, from defence and intelligence to advanced technology, trade, and investment," it stated.
"C-SIPA will serve as a cornerstone for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the United States and Bahrain, and is in line with President (Joe) Biden's vision for a more stable and prosperous Middle East region forged through security and economic integration between allies and partners," it was added.
(written and edited by, The Decision Maker - International Relations editors)
(US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Picture by wikibio)
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