Bahrain steps up defence pact role in US security call

HRH Prince Salman strengthens Bahrain's C-SIPA role
HRH leads defence dialogue
C-SIPA reaffirmed as cornerstone
Regional stability emphasised
You Know What:
The Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in 2023, marked the first formal defence and economic pact of its kind between the US and a Gulf nation.
Mahir Haneef
TDT | Manama
Reaffirming Bahrain's standing as a key defence partner in the Gulf, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, held a high-level telephone conversation on Sunday with United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The call focused on strengthening military and strategic coordination under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), a landmark pact that HRH described as a driver of Bahrain-US bilateral cooperation.
Pact Reaffirmed
HRH Prince Salman stressed the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to enhancing regional and global peace efforts. He highlighted the value of C-SIPA in reinforcing joint readiness and aligning regional security strategies with US-led efforts.
His Royal Highness noted that the Bahrain-US relationship rests on deep-rooted military and defence collaboration, which has evolved into one of the region's most robust security partnerships.
Stability Highlighted
The conversation also underscored the pivotal role of the United States in ensuring regional and international stability. Both sides exchanged views on current developments and common priorities shaping the Middle East security landscape.
HRH Prince Salman reiterated that Bahrain remains a committed partner in advancing peace and countering threats in coordination with allies across the Gulf and beyond.
Continued Coordination
The strategic dialogue follows a series of high-level engagements between Manama and Washington in recent months, aimed at operationalising C-SIPA and expanding its scope across both defence and prosperity tracks.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Tribune

10 hours ago

• Daily Tribune

Bahrain-UK agreement: What Happens Next?

TDT | Manama A day after the landmark Bahrain-UK defense agreement was signed, key strategic details are now emerging, outlining plans for deeper military coordination, stronger maritime security, and the United Kingdom's significant move into the Bahrain-USled Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement. The agreement, formalized during the official UK visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Deputy, Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, signals a further strengthening of the Kingdom's longstanding strategic relationship with Britain. It specifically highlights critical areas of future cooperation and mutual benefit. Maritime partnership His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defense Affairs, emphasized that maritime security has emerged as a central component of the agreement. Plans are in place for intensified naval exercises, coordinated joint patrol operations, and enhanced maritime surveillance involving Bahrain Defense Force and British armed forces personnel. 'The signing of this defense cooperation agreement is rooted in our distinguished partnership, continuously strengthened under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister,' stated Al Nuaimi. He noted that expanding maritime cooperation is essential to maintaining regional stability and addressing evolving security challenges in Gulf waters. Trilateral expansion Another critical dimension unveiled in the agreement is the UK's access to the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement, previously a bilateral arrangement between Bahrain and the United States. This significant strategic step positions the UK firmly within a trilateral security framework, broadening collaborative defense and security operations in the region. 'The United Kingdom's inclusion, based on invitations extended by Bahrain and the United States, will elevate our joint security coordination and open broader avenues of cooperation, enhancing the mutual security interests of our nations,' Al Nuaimi explained. Deep-rooted alliance The Defense Minister also underscored the historic depth of the Bahrain-UK relationship, recognizing Britain as one of Bahrain's most vital strategic allies. He credited the ongoing strength of this bilateral partnership to decades of effective military and strategic cooperation between the two countries. As Bahrain and the UK now transition from signing agreements to executing strategic plans, expectations are high for tangible results, particularly in maritime security, joint military training, and broader defense coordination.

Daily Tribune

a day ago

• Daily Tribune

Bahrain Thanks President Putin for Efforts to De-Escalate Middle East Tensions at SPIEF

TDT | Manama Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander of the Kingdom of Bahrain, expressed his country's gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). President Putin warmly welcomed Prince Nasser and the accompanying Bahraini delegation, praising the enduring ties between Russia and Bahrain. He acknowledged that the visit came during a sensitive period in the region, saying, 'Unfortunately, our meeting takes place against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East. We are all watching the developments there with concern.' Putin highlighted that the presence of HH Shaikh Nasser — despite his extensive responsibilities in national security — demonstrated Bahrain's strong commitment to enhancing its partnership with Russia. 'This is the best confirmation of Bahrain's sincere dedication to strengthening bilateral relations,' President Putin noted. 'We value the firm and friendly nature of our ties, which this year mark their 32nd anniversary.'

Daily Tribune

a day ago

• Daily Tribune

MP Al Dhaen Hails UK-Bahrain Defence and Investment Deals as Milestone in Global Cooperation

TDT | Manama MP Dr. Maryam Al Dhaen has praised the UK-Bahrain defence and investment agreements signed during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to London on Thursday, describing them as a clear signal of international trust in Bahrain's strategic direction. Dr. Al Dhaen said the agreements underscore Bahrain's rising influence in global diplomacy and security, pointing to the Kingdom's leadership in forging partnerships that strengthen regional stability and long-term economic growth. She highlighted the potential of the new accords to advance cooperation in cybersecurity, defence training, and investment, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. Growing Recognition Al Dhaen added that the reception given to Bahrain in London, including support for its UN Security Council bid, reflects the growing confidence in the Kingdom's role as a constructive, stabilising force in the region. She noted that the UK's engagement builds on Bahrain's earlier diplomatic initiatives under the Comprehensive Security and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), broadening the scope of cooperation across defence and development fronts. Al Dhaen also expressed hope that the agreements would serve as a model for future collaborations, inspiring deeper integration among allied nations seeking to address global challenges through shared security frameworks and joint investment strategies.