Bahrainthismonth.com 6 July 2024 DIPLOMATIC TIES THAT THRIVE In an exclusive interview with Bahrain This Month, US Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Steven C. Bondy, discusses the dynamic relationship between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Bahrain and reviews the progress and future aspirations of this longstanding partnership of shared stability and prosperity. Your Excellency, how would you describe the current state of US relations with Bahrain? Relations are thriving and moving from strength to strength. The last 12 months have included important milestones in our bilateral relations, notably the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in September of 2023. This agreement significantly upgrades our strategic relationship, formalising our cooperation to deter conflict, enhance regional stability and increase cooperation in technology, trade and investment. I am proud of the growing people-to-people ties between Americans and Bahrainis. I enjoyed sharing American hip-hop and breakdancing during the Spring of Culture festival and meeting many Bahraini leaders who participated in US Embassy exchange programmes. In healthcare, education, law enforcement and filmmaking, Americans and Bahrainis work side-by-side, sharing best practices and ensuring our partnerships and friendships will flourish in the years to come. What are the key areas of cooperation between the two nations? C-SIPA enhances our cooperation in three primary areas. First, it expands our security and defense collaboration to bolster regional stability and prosperity. Second, it strengthens our commercial relationship, focusing on trade and investment opportunities in areas like supply chain resilience and infrastructure. Third, it expands our cooperation in science, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and information and communications technology How is the United States supporting Bahrain’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan? United States-Bahrain trade and investment are at near-historic levels. Our governments recognise that emerging technology will shape the future. Many American companies are interested in working in Bahrain to pursue regional opportunities and benefit from our close bilateral partnership. We facilitate the USA in Bahrain
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